Burial Rites - Hannah Kent - Women are stronger than men
In Hannah Kent's Speculative Biography, Burial Rites, the women are portrayed to be stronger than the men, being seen as more complex, with more control over the events that take place within their lives. All of the women in the novel share a likeness with their mental capability to move on and get through the toughest of times. Although the men have more authority, being in a higher position in the world that they rule, the women, with the power of just being a female, take us on the journey that Kent has presented us with.
Agnes Magnusdottir was convicted of Murder and sentenced to an unruly death by District Commissioner Bjorn Blondal. This could be seen as an empowerment over Agnes but as the story continues, the readers are welcomed to the view that, although Blondal has made the decision to take the life of Agnes for her crimes, she has not let her inevitable oblivion affect her. She has chosen to carry on living until the day comes where the dark will steal her last breath and pull her into an infinite slumber. This point signifies that the women, although ruled by the overwhelming and powerful male population, still remain the strong and capable women of the historical context. With this in mind it is hard to believe that Hannah Kent had written this tale without the views of a feministic women or at least the thought of the drastic difference in the rights between men and women in Agnes’ society.
Using inner narrative, Hannah Kent allows her readers access into the mind of Agnes, giving us a true understanding of the thoughts and emotions experienced by her though out her journey. She speaks of truth, loss and the extreme, passionate love that she felt for Natan. It is through this that we see the true strength of this character and we begin to understand the full depths of her state of mind. Natan had cheated Agnes of her heart and with her at his feet, he left her. Despite being grief-stricken at Natan’s betrayal, Agnes continues to devote her love to
Agnes Magnusdottir was convicted of Murder and sentenced to an unruly death by District Commissioner Bjorn Blondal. This could be seen as an empowerment over Agnes but as the story continues, the readers are welcomed to the view that, although Blondal has made the decision to take the life of Agnes for her crimes, she has not let her inevitable oblivion affect her. She has chosen to carry on living until the day comes where the dark will steal her last breath and pull her into an infinite slumber. This point signifies that the women, although ruled by the overwhelming and powerful male population, still remain the strong and capable women of the historical context. With this in mind it is hard to believe that Hannah Kent had written this tale without the views of a feministic women or at least the thought of the drastic difference in the rights between men and women in Agnes’ society.
Using inner narrative, Hannah Kent allows her readers access into the mind of Agnes, giving us a true understanding of the thoughts and emotions experienced by her though out her journey. She speaks of truth, loss and the extreme, passionate love that she felt for Natan. It is through this that we see the true strength of this character and we begin to understand the full depths of her state of mind. Natan had cheated Agnes of her heart and with her at his feet, he left her. Despite being grief-stricken at Natan’s betrayal, Agnes continues to devote her love to