Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
Publication Date
Fall 11-21-2023
College
Music and Performing Arts, College of
Department
Theatre and Dance, Department of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Dr. Carla LeHey
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
No Sex for Me: Female Influence and Power Through the Lens of Hrotsvitha
Madison Patoto
Male playwrights dominated the theatre world until Hrotsvitha, a German nun and playwright, broke the silence of The Dark Ages. She adapted the works of the ancient Roman playwright, Terence, with a more favorable depiction of faith and women. In the midst of a patriarchal world, Hrotsvitha explored the theme of sexuality through strong female characters who gained power and influence in a world that degraded them and considered them impotent. This essay dives into the main differences between Terence’s Roman secular views and Hrotsvitha’s Christian views as revealed in their work and, specifically, in the way women are portrayed in their plays. To highlight Hrotsvitha’s empowerment of women, this paper provides a brief analysis of three of Hrotsvitha’s works: Gallicanus, Dulcitius, and Callimachus.
Recommended Citation
Patoto, Madison, "No Sex for Me: Female Influence and Power Through the Lens of Hrotsvitha" (2023). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 424.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/424
