Date of Award
5-1-2011
Degree Type
Dissertation
University or Center
Clark Atlanta University(CAU)
School
School of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
English
First Advisor
Dr. Georgene Bess Montgomery
Second Advisor
Dr. Charles Duncan
Third Advisor
Dr. Alma Vinyard
Abstract
This study examines why it is that the title “Savior” has been reserved only for men,
when it is that women, too, deserve the title. After all, save is what women do. Because
of the Biblical and subsequent patriarchal paradigm, men only are attributed the title, but
what we fmd in certain texts is that women are saviors as well. It is through women’s
somewhat magical feminism that she is able to heal, make sacrifices, and save, even
when others are not aware it is necessary. The writer re-presents the notion of Savior
whereby Savior as Woman is constructed culturally with the women saving not only their
families, but the community at large. She has to step outside of herself and concern
herself with the well-being of others. Using the Savior as Woman theory is a viable
textual approach to literature that allows the women in the text to be seen in a more
flattering light and one that they deserve but have been deprived of for numerous reasons.
It is one that is viable and can help one get a deeper textual understanding.
Recommended Citation
Rigby-Simmons, Tamala Tamara', "Redefining theory: re-presenting woman as savior" (2011). ETD Collection for Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center. Paper 239.
http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/239