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Symbolism In Christina Of Markyate

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Objectification and Patriarchal Control in “Christina of Markyate” written by Anonymous Authors
Like any other female during the beginning of the twelfth century, Christina of Markyate, formally known as Theodora, was considered to be inferior to the male sex. Women were expected to respect the wishes of their parents, oblige to marriage and live a life according to stereotypical heterosexual norms. However, given the strict expectations Christina was supposed to submit to, she dismissed traditional gender roles and continued to strive towards the goal of preserving her virginity and living the life of a nun. In the story “Christina of Markyate,” anonymous authors use examples of objectification and patriarchal control to portray Christina’s lack of freedom in a time period consumed with male dominance.
Christina of Markyate didn’t just face challenges within her family, but complete objectification. Given she came from a noble Saxon family, it was her parents goal to keep the legacy alive, no matter what disrespect was shown towards their daughter. For example, Christina’s parents ignored the fact that she was almost raped by a well-known Bishop and therefore continued to seek marriage arrangements recommended by the Bishop himself. In fact, her parents not only lacked respect and dignity for their daughter, but treated her …show more content…

Throughout the text “Christina of Markyate,” anonymous authors use examples of objectification and patriarchal control to portray Christina’s lack of freedom during a time of female inferiority. Unlike many women of her time, Christina challenged the patriarchy by going against traditional marital norms and essentially thriving as a single, virginal woman of the twelfth century. Her objection to male dominance and avoidance of the subservient life of a mother and wife serves as trivial for her

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