Untangling the Threads: A Comparative Literary Journey Through Female Guilt and Shame
Abstract
In the intricate tapestry of human emotion, few threads are as compelling and pervasive as those of guilt and shame. These profound emotions, with their multifaceted manifestations and far-reaching implications, imbue the human experience with layers of complexity and depth. This doctoral thesis, a comparative study of several works of prose and poetry, embarks on a profound exploration of these intertwined yet distinct sentiments, tracing their nuanced portrayal across diverse literary landscapes. A shared focal point among the works under study is the exploration of female characters and the weight of guilt and shame thrust upon them. Guilt and shame will be analyzed through religious, philosophical, social, and psychological perspectives. From the religious perspective, three Abrahamic religions will be discussed. The philosophical viewpoint will take into account the ideas of Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Michel Foucault. Moving forward into modern psychology and sociology, the focus will be on the discussion of guilt and shame from the viewpoints of several thinkers such as Gerthart Piers, Milton B. Singer, John Carroll, Michael Lewis, Helen Block Lewis, and Donald V. Morano, among others. Chapter one establishes the theoretical framework by examining the concept of guilt and shame in the history of ideas — from antiquity to the present. The second chapter focuses on the Victorian era, delving into the representation of guilt in Tess of the d’Urbervilles. The Victorian era presents a rich tapestry of guilt and shame intertwined with themes of sin, redemption, and societal norms. The focus is on the profound societal alienation experienced by the protagonist who is burdened by feelings of guilt. Chapter three deals with Song of a Captive Bird, Sin: Selected Poems of Forugh Farrokhzad, Persepolis – both the graphic novel and the animation –, and Daughters of Smoke and Fire. These works are centered on Iran, and the chapter explores the variegated manifestations and representations of guilt, shedding light on their profound impact on the female characters. Chapter four explores a fictional fantastic society: The Handmaid’s Tale. In this work, the theme of guilt is a haunting undercurrent that pervades the narrative, intricately woven into the fabric of the dystopian society in question. Here, guilt takes on myriad forms, from individual remorse to the collective guilt of society for allowing atrocities to unfold. Finally, chapter five considers representations of the intricate traces and profound implications of shame in relation to the primary corpus. By synthesizing philosophical and psychoanalytic theories, cultural criticism, and narrative analysis, this research seeks a comprehensive understanding of how guilt and shame, as well as their implications, are depicted in narration.