Description

About The Book

This work presents a comprehensive feminist analysis of mythological narratives and their role in constructing, reinforcing, and transmitting gender ideologies throughout history. Drawing from diverse cultural traditions, the book examines key mythological figures including Venus and Mars from Roman mythology, Aphrodite and Ares from Greek traditions, and divine pairs such as Shiva-Parvati and Zeus-Hera, revealing how these ancient stories function as socio-cultural texts that both mirror and challenge patriarchal norms.
The study employs an interdisciplinary methodology, weaving together insights from feminist theory, classical literature, psychoanalysis, visual studies, and gender studies. Influenced by pioneering thinkers like Simone de Beauvoir, bell hooks, Judith Butler, Laura Mulvey, and Sandra Gilbert, this work frames mythology not merely as entertainment but as a form of cultural instruction—an instrument of both societal control and potential subversion.
Central to the analysis is the exploration of double standards imposed on mythological women, who are simultaneously revered and restrained, glorified and objectified. The book juxtaposes these complex female portrayals with their male counterparts, often idealized as warriors, kings, or gods, while examining how contemporary feminist scholars and artists reinterpret these characters today.
More than an academic investigation, this work represents a personal act of resistance and reclamation. By bringing ancient texts into conversation with modern theoretical frameworks, it demonstrates that mythology is not static but evolves in meaning depending on who tells the story and how it’s interpreted, offering both critique and possibility for understanding gender dynamics across cultures and centuries.

About The Author

Dr. Vanya Srivastava is an Assistant Professor at Integral University, Lucknow, specializing in English Literature with expertise in cross-cultural studies and gender analysis. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Lucknow, focusing on Bhutanese literature, and is UGC NET qualified. Her research spans South Asian literature, feminist studies, and comparative mythology, with publications in SCOPUS-indexed journals examining oral literature, Buddhist feminism, and contemporary gender discourse.
Dr. Srivastava has organized international conferences and faculty development programs, serving in various academic leadership roles. Beyond her scholarly work, she is an accomplished theater artist, recipient of the “”Best Actor Award”” from the National School of Drama, Delhi. Her unique combination of academic rigor and creative expression informs her interdisciplinary approach to literature and cultural studies, making her a distinctive voice in contemporary feminist literary criticism.

Ms. Nikita Verma is a dedicated English Literature student at Integral University, Lucknow, with a passionate interest in feminist literary criticism and mythological studies. Her academic journey has been marked by deep engagement with questions of gender representation, cultural narratives, and the intersection of ancient mythology with contemporary feminist discourse. Through her coursework and independent research, she has developed expertise in analyzing how traditional stories shape and reflect societal attitudes toward women and power dynamics.
Ms. Verma’s scholarly approach combines rigorous textual analysis with contemporary theoretical frameworks, particularly drawing from feminist and gender studies perspectives. Her work demonstrates a commitment to reexamining canonical mythological texts through a critical lens, challenging traditional interpretations and uncovering the complex ways these narratives continue to influence modern understanding