Women Writers from Convent to Brothel
Loading...
Document Type
Presentation
Date of Original Version
2013
Abstract
Dacia Maraini is one of the finest Italian woman writers alive today. She’s won, among others, both Campiello and Strega prizes, which are the most prestigious Italian literature awards. From February 28th to March 5th 2013, Dacia Maraini, one of Italy’s best known modern authors, served as the University’s Distinguished International Visiting Scholar. During her time at the University, she gave two lectures, visited several classes, and was the key-note speaker in the celebration of International Women’s Day. Additionally, she was involved in the premiere presentation of the English translation of her play Per Giulia (For Giulia).
Women Writers from Convent to Brothel
In Medieval and Early Modern Europe, writing was considered almost biologically incompatible with the bodies of women. How could a girl who had to prepare herself to give birth and raise children have a mind free to focus on ideas and study? It was thought that the one true function of a woman was maternity and therefore anything that detracted from the care of the procreative body was considered a disturbance and a useless impediment to the sanctity of the family. An education that was too refined, culturally complex, and developed like that required by a professional writer was considered inappropriate for both girl and mother.
The only women who had available to them the peace and time for study were those who dedicated their lives to God. In fact, in the late Middle Ages convents were full of women thinkers and writers, even illustrious ones. On the other hand, it also happened that some women of the people—in order to open a salon and invite the most famous intellectuals of their day—were devoted to studying and cultivating themselves. These were the courtesans (“le cortigiane”), who having to court writers and thinkers in search of amusement, endeavored to educate themselves enough to be able to hold conversations at all levels of discourse. They needed to have grace and wit, but also instruction, intelligence, and wisdom: things that were not expected of a housewife and mother.