Challenging Social Norms: Women as Symbols of Prejudice and Stereotypes in World Literature (A Comparative Study)
Challenging Social Norms: Women as Symbols of Prejudice and Stereotypes in World Literature (A Comparative Study)

Summary/Abstract: Throughout the history of world literature, numerous authors have centered their works on female protagonists, presenting them not only as individuals but also as symbols shaped by societal expectations, prejudice, and stereotypes. From the cunning Sheherazade of „1001 Nights“, to Flaubert's conflicted Emma Bovary, Tolstoy's tragic Anna Karenina, and Zola’s ambitious Nana, female characters have long been used to explore complex societal dynamics. Even those who were not central figures – such as Homer’s faithful Penelope, Shakespeare’s Desdemona and Lady Macbeth – have become emblematic of various cultural ideals and gender norms. At the root of these representations lies the biblical figure of Eve, whose "original sin" casts a shadow over women in literary history, often reflecting patriarchal anxieties and the social marginalization of women.In this comparative study, Heinrich Böll’s „The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum“ and Ismail Kadare’s „A Moonlit Night“ are examined as examples of how women continue to be portrayed as symbols of prejudice and social condemnation. These works highlight the consequences of societal judgment on female characters, portraying women as both victims of patriarchal scrutiny and as complex agents challenging these limitations. Moreover, this study reflects on how literature, across cultures and time periods, has both mirrored and challenged the evolving roles of women within society, with particular attention to the enduring stereotypes and norms that shape these narratives.

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