Assignment - 4 - Unveiling the Veiled: Exploring Hidden Queer Representations in Ancient Literature

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-

This blog is part of an assignment for the Paper 204 - Contemporary Western Theories and Film Studies - Sem - 3, 2023.

UNVEILING THE VEILED: EXPLORING HIDDEN QUEER REPRESENTATIONS IN ANCIENT LITERATURE

Table of Contents:-

• Personal Information
• Assignment Details
• Abstract
• Keywords
• Introduction
• What is Queer Theory?
• Queer Identities & Narrative in Ancient World
• Plato's Symposium
• Sappho’s Poetry
• 'Epic Of Gilgamesh'
• Literary Techniques and Symbolism
• Artistic Depictions
• Intense Friendship
• Mythological Figure
• Evolution of LGBTQ concept
• conclusion
• Works Cited

Personal Information:-

Name:- Pooja Anilbhai Bhuva

Batch:- M.A. Sem 3 (2022-2024)

Enrollment Number:- 4069206420220005

E-mail Address:- poojabhuva2002@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 15

Assignment Details:-

Topic:-Unveiling the Veiled: Exploring Hidden Queer Representations in Ancient Literature

Subject Code & Paper:- 22409 - Paper 204 - Contemporary Western Theories and Film Studies

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 27th November, 2023

About Assignment:- In this Assignment I am going to discuss about the Queer representation in the Ancient era which may not be visible on the surface.

Abstract:-

In the 1990s, scholars like Gloria Anzaldúa introduced "queer theory" to challenge traditional ideas about sexuality and gender, inspired by French philosopher Michel Foucault. "Queer" transformed from a negative term to a positive one, embracing non-heteronormative identities. Michael Warner critiqued "heteronormativity," where society sees being straight as normal. Ancient texts like Plato's Symposium, Sappho's poetry, and the Epic of Gilgamesh offer glimpses of diverse relationships, with some suggesting homoerotic undertones. Literary techniques, such as symbolism, expressed queer themes in a time when discussing such relationships was challenging. The LGBTQ community's evolution, from the Stonewall riots in 1969 to legal advancements and increased visibility today, marks a journey toward acceptance. Despite progress, ongoing challenges like discrimination and legal struggles emphasize the need for continued efforts to protect LGBTQ rights globally.

Key Words:-

Queer Theory, LGBTQ, Gay, Lasbian, Homosexuality, Ancient era, Mythological Figures.

Introduction:-

Gilgamesh and Enkidu. They become best friends and go on adventures together. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh is super sad, and he talks about his feelings in a way that makes some people today wonder if their friendship might have been more than just a regular friendship. It's like when you see really close friends today and wonder if there's something more going on. But, we have to remember that the way people understood and talked about feelings back then was different from how we do it now. So, while some folks today might see hints of something more in Gilgamesh and Enkidu's friendship, we also have to respect that their story comes from a time when friendships were expressed in ways unique to that ancient culture.

What is Queer Theory?

The idea of "queer theory" started around the 1990s with scholars like Gloria Anzaldúa. They were inspired by the thoughts of a French philosopher named Michel Foucault, who talked about how society thinks about things. These scholars wanted to understand and challenge traditional ideas about sexuality and gender. So, "queer theory" began as a way to explore and question these topics. (Goldberg)

While exploring this idea we may have the question, Why the relation of Lasbian/Gay known as Queer Theory? . So, The word "queer" has a long history. It was first used around the 1500s to describe something strange or not normal. If something unusual happened, people might say it was "rather queer." But over time, especially in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the US, "queer" became a not-so-nice word to describe someone who was homosexual. In the 1980s, during the AIDS crisis, a group called Queer Nation, made up of members of the LGBT community, decided to take back the word. They wanted to use it in a positive way instead of feeling ashamed of it. Nowadays, "queer" is often used as a general term for anything that's not heterosexual. (Bull)

Michael Warner talked about something called 'heteronormativity.' Basically, he said that society often acts like being heterosexual is the normal or preferred way to be. He argued that queerness, or non-heterosexual perspectives, is unique in social theory because it challenges this idea. He explained that even though people had been talking about sexuality from different perspectives for a long time, queerness brought a special contribution by questioning the belief that heterosexuality is the default or normal way. In another essay with Lauren Berlant, called "Sex in Public," they continued to explore these ideas. (Berlant)

Queer Identities & Narrative in Ancient World:-

In this era, queer ideas are widely accepted worldwide, and everyone is supportive. However, even in times when the concepts of gay or lesbian relationships were not explicitly named, representations of such relationships can be found in ancient literature. So, Let's explore queer representations in ancient texts.

PLATO'S SYMPOSIUM:- 

In Plato's Symposium, the theme of love is explored through a series of speeches given by different characters during a banquet. One of the notable speeches is that of Phaedrus, who discusses the nature of love, particularly focusing on the love between men. Phaedrus praises the love between men, arguing that it is superior to the love between men and women. He suggests that the bond between two men, based on mutual respect and admiration, can lead to extraordinary feats of bravery and heroism. Phaedrus highlights the idea that a man in love with another man would be more willing to risk his life to protect and impress his beloved. (Plato) (Hamilton)

This perspective on love in the Symposium is often considered in the context of the ancient Greek concept of "pederasty," a socially acknowledged and culturally institutionalized romantic and sexual relationship between an adult male and a younger male. While the Symposium presents a nuanced view of love, including same-sex love, it's essential to recognize that the cultural and historical context of ancient Greece differed significantly from contemporary understandings of LGBTQ+ identities. The Symposium provides insight into how love and relationships were contemplated in ancient philosophical and cultural discussions, contributing to the broader understanding of attitudes towards same-sex love in that historical context.

SAPPHO’S POETRY:-

Sappho, an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos, is known for her lyric poetry that often explores themes of love and desire. While her work doesn't explicitly fit contemporary LGBTQ+ categories, it has been the subject of much interpretation and analysis related to queer themes.

In Sappho's poetry, she often expresses intense emotions and affections, frequently directed towards other women. The term "Lesbian" actually derives from the island of Lesbos, where Sappho lived, and it is associated with female homosexuality due to her work. (Mendelsohn) Sappho's poems frequently depict close relationships and deep emotional connections between women. While the exact nature of these relationships is not explicitly stated, the passionate language and expressions of love in her poetry have led many readers and scholars to interpret them as having homoerotic undertones.

One of the challenges in interpreting Sappho's work lies in the fragmentary nature of the surviving texts. Many of her poems have been lost over time, and what remains are fragments and incomplete verses. Despite this, her poetry has had a lasting impact on literary and cultural history, and it continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and exploration of intimate relationships, including those that are interpreted through a queer lens. 

'EPIC OF GILGAMESH':-

The "Epic of Gilgamesh," one of the earliest known works of literature from ancient Mesopotamia, does not explicitly address queer themes as understood in contemporary terms. However, some scholars have explored the close relationship between the two main characters, Gilgamesh and Enkidu, and have suggested homoerotic undertones. Gilgamesh and Enkidu share a deep and intense bond that is central to the narrative. Enkidu is created by the gods to be a companion for Gilgamesh, and their friendship plays a crucial role in the story. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh is grief-stricken, and his mourning is expressed in a way that some readers and scholars have interpreted as having elements of love or deep emotional connection. (Nissinen)

We can see the bond between them with these original lines from the Poem.

Take my hand, my friend, we will go on together.

Your heart should burn to do battle

Pay no heed to death, do not lose heart!

The one who watches from the side is a careful man,

But the one who walks in front protects himself and saves his comrade,

And through their fighting the establish fame’ (Kovacs)

While some interpretations may suggest homoerotic undertones in the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, it's important to acknowledge the challenges of applying modern LGBTQ+ categories to ancient texts. ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’ provides an intriguing glimpse into ancient cultural attitudes toward friendship and companionship, but the specific nature of the relationship between the two characters remains open to interpretation.

Literary Techniques and Symbolism:-

In the ancient era, where understanding gay and lesbian relationships wasn't easy, writers and poets often employed symbols and unique ways of expressing their feelings. These expressions can be interpreted as forms of queer representation.

INTENSE FRIENDSHIP:-

As we already saw in ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh, which is a really old story from a long time ago, there's this special friendship between two guys, In the Epic of Gilgamesh, which is a really old story from a long time ago, there's this special friendship between two guys, Gilgamesh and Enkidu. They become best friends and go on adventures together. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh is super sad, and he talks about his feelings in a way that makes some people today wonder if their friendship might have been more than just a regular friendship. It's like when you see really close friends today and wonder if there's something more going on. But, we have to remember that the way people understood and talked about feelings back then was different from how we do it now. So, while some folks today might see hints of something more in Gilgamesh and Enkidu's friendship, we also have to respect that their story comes from a time when friendships were expressed in ways unique to that ancient culture.

ARTISTIC DEPICTIONS:-

In the olden days, pictures and artworks might show things that today's people see in a queer way. This means looking at things like pottery, sculptures, or paintings from the past and trying to find signs or symbols that could represent different kinds of love or relationships.

Apollo and Hyacinthus

Athena and Myrmex

Zeus and Europa

MYTHOLOGICAL FIGURE:-

In stories from a really long time ago, there were often special symbols and creative ways of talking that could carry hidden meanings. Imagine it like using secret codes or special pictures to say something without saying it directly. In these ancient tales, some of these symbols and codes might be hints about queer themes, even if the stories didn't talk about them openly. For example, in myths or stories, you might have gods or heroes who do things that could represent more than just the obvious. Maybe a character's journey or a magical object stands for something deeper about love or identity. It's like telling a story about friendship or bravery, but the hidden message could be about something else that people back then might not have been able to talk about openly. 

Apollo, who was the god of the sun and music, is thought of as a supporter of same-sex love. People believed he liked and blessed relationships between men, as he had many male lovers. (Reineke) The goddess of love, Aphrodite, and some gods who are with her, like the Erotes-Eros, Himeros, and Pothos-are sometimes considered patrons of homosexual love. (Conner)

Evolution of LGBTQ concept:-

Over time, the LGBTQ community has experienced significant changes and progress in terms of social acceptance, legal rights, and visibility. In the past, many societies had strict norms and expectations regarding gender roles and relationships, making it challenging for individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. In the mid-20th century, the LGBTQ rights movement emerged, seeking equality and recognition. The 1969 Stonewall riots in the United States marked a turning point, as LGBTQ individuals protested against police raids on gay bars. This event is often considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ rights movement.

Throughout the following decades, strides were made in legal recognition and societal acceptance. The removal of homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1973 was a crucial step in destigmatizing LGBTQ identities. Activism, awareness campaigns, and the fight against discrimination contributed to a growing understanding of LGBTQ issues. (Uyeda) The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw significant legal advancements, including the decriminalization of homosexuality in various countries and the legalization of same-sex marriage in several nations. These changes signaled a shift towards recognizing LGBTQ rights on a broader scale.

In recent years, increased visibility of LGBTQ individuals in media, politics, and everyday life has played a crucial role in challenging stereotypes and fostering acceptance. The rise of social media has provided a platform for LGBTQ voices to be heard, connecting communities globally and creating spaces for support and advocacy. However, challenges persist, including ongoing discrimination, mental health disparities, and legal struggles in certain regions. Continued efforts are necessary to ensure the full inclusion and protection of LGBTQ rights worldwide.

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, Queer Theory is like a flashlight that helps us see beyond what society thinks is normal about love and relationships. Scholars like Gloria Anzaldúa and Michel Foucault started this in the 1990s, questioning old ideas about who can love whom. The word "queer" used to be mean, but now it's a positive word for everyone who's not just into boys or girls. Michael Warner showed us how society always acts like being straight is the regular way, but queerness challenges that idea. Even in ancient stories like Plato's Symposium and Sappho's poetry, we can find hints of different kinds of love. The Epic of Gilgamesh has a special friendship that some people think might be more than just friends. People back then used creative ways, like symbols and intense friendships, to talk about love that wasn't considered normal. The LGBTQ community has come a long way, from being pushed aside to getting more rights. But there's still work to do to make sure everyone, everywhere, is treated the same.

Works Cited:-

• Berlant, Lauren, and Michael Warner. “Sex in Public.” Critical Inquiry, vol. 24, no. 2, 1998, pp. 547–66. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1344178.
• Bull, Chris, et al., editors. “What is queer theory & why is it important?” LGBTQ Nation, 4 October 2021, https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/10/queer-theory-101-matters/.
• Randy P., et al. Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol, and Spirit: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Lore. Cassell, 1998.
• Goldberg, Abbie E., editor. The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies. SAGE Publications, 2016.
• Hamilton, Walter, translator. The Symposium. Penguin Books, 1951.
• Kovacs, Maureen Gallery, translator. ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’. Wolf Carnahan, 1998. https://uruk-warka.dk/Gilgamish/The%20Epic%20of%20Gilgamesh.pdf.
• Mendelsohn, Daniel. “How Gay Was Sappho?” The New Yorker, 9 March 2015, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/03/16/girl-interrupted.
• Nissinen, Martti. “Are There Homosexuals in Mesopotamian Literature?” Journal of the American Oriental Society, vol. 130, no. 1, 2010, pp. 73–77. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25766947.
• Plato, and Internet Archive. The Symposium ; and The Phaedrus : Plato's erotic dialogues. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1993. Internet Archive, https://archive.org/details/symposiumandphae0000plat/page/n3/mode/2up.
• Reineke, Martha, and Christine Downing. “Within the Shadow of the Herms: A Critique of ‘Myths and Mysteries of Same-Sex Love’ [with Reply].” Historical Reflections / Réflexions Historiques, vol. 19, no. 1, 1993, pp. 81–106. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41298960.
• Uyeda, Ray Levy. “How LGBTQ+ Activists Got “Homosexuality” out of the DSM.” JSTORE DAILY, 26 May 2021, https://daily.jstor.org/how-lgbtq-activists-got-homosexuality-out-of-the-dsm/.

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