Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Decameron (Day Four / 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 6.7, 6.10)

5.8 - I believe the men have the power in this story. Many people believe that men have no feelings, or no emotions. This story emphasizes the power of that men can exert over women. The whole story revolves around a man trying to have his wife hurt, or at least live in fear or hurt, as much as he did. The tragic tearing apart of the woman,literally,  makes the woman fear for her life. The man exerts a stigma of loss that petrifies the girl. It is very obivious that the man has power in this scenario.

6.7 -   This story is a perfect example of woman rights, because it shows the prejudice men and society hold against women. The statute in Prato was specifically designed to protect men against the adulterous acts of women (ex. a woman caught commiting adultery by her husband would be burned alive). However, Madonna saves her life by flipping the scripts on the court. She justifies her actions, by pointing out the fact that her male counterpart could commit the same crime and go free.  She stood up the court, and walked in confidently. She told the truth, and empowered women everywhere. In fact, the law was changed after this court case. Overall, Madonna showed the common prejudices held against women and continues to defeat the opressor.

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