"The Vagina Monologues"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how quite a fuss has been raised over Eve Ensler's production of "The Vagina Monologues" (V Monologues) because of its overt and explicit depiction of the female genitalia. It looks at how the appropriateness of the subject matter is questioned, as is the necessity for it to be circulated, mass produced, and performed. It shows how there are proponents for both sides of the issue, arguing equally as fiercely that the monologues are either essential to the liberation and independence of women or abominable to traditional standards of morality and modesty, and how both sides see this work as a key artifact, either to identify with or protest against. The paper is written from an anti-feminist viewpoint and picks apart the "Vagina Monologues", citing the play as an example of societal decay. It also looks at the play as a part of pop culture, contrasting the play from the vantage points of feminism vs. anti-feminism.

From the Paper:

"One primary goal of the monologues was to circulate the word vagina making it commonplace as a part of everyday conversation. An example of this is Ensler's admittedly common use of the word vagina. Ensler says vagina because she fears what we do not speak we forget and the thought of forgetting about vagina scares her (xx, 3). The question arises as to whether or not the term vagina is even important. Is the word vagina important because Ensler tells us it is important? While she drills through her monologues how important the word vagina is in reclaiming ourselves as women, can she get past the cultural biases which have been in place for so long by simply saying her work is important? Those identifying with her stance would agree based upon the thought circulating the word "vagina" is liberating."

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