Parallel Tales of Traditional Female Characters: Defiance of Gender Roles by Atalanta and Mulan and Their Return to Conformity

The traditional characters Atalanta and Mulan are both unusual because, despite their defiance of traditional gender roles in Ancient Greece (6th century BCE) and the Wei (386–533 CE) and Tang (618-907 CE) dynasty China by entering and achieving success the sphere of male heroes, specifically in hunting and warfare, both girls return to the female domestic sphere and are viewed relatively positively. Unlike other female figures who leave the female domestic sphere, such as Medea, Clytemnestra, Phaedra, The Amazons, Empress Wu Zetian, Nie Yinniang, and Cui Shensi’s Wife, Atalanta and Mulan are viewed as relatively positive members of their societies. Because they enter the male sphere, maintain loyalty to their families, and return to the female sphere, rather than betraying their families through their gender defiance, these two figures are viewed positively. Although Atalanta and Mulan have both been investigated in relation to gender roles in previous scholarly studies, a comparison of the two in contrast to more negatively viewed female characters who defy gender roles in their societies can tell us something important about how the dangers of gender defiance are less than the importance familial loyalty and a return to the normal social order. This thesis uses ancient literary sources in translation to analyze how the traditional characters of Atalanta and Mulan each first enter the male heroic sphere and then return to the female domestic sphere based on existing scholarly works on Ancient Greek and Wei and Tang Chinese gender roles. It then takes a comparative approach, relating Atalanta and Mulan to each other as different than many other traditional female figures who defy traditional gender roles in these societies.Bachelor of Art