Paper Summary:

The following paper will look at the differing perceptions of gender in Paradise Lost and in Aphra Behn's, Oroonoko. Specifically, the paper will argue that Milton's text portrays women as weak-willed beings (for the most part) who are credulous and who should remain loyally fastened to their husbands' sides. By comparison, Aphra Behn - through the character of Imoionda - shows women (at least one woman) as being thoughtful, defiant, able to manipulate others (in Imoionda's case, it is the elderly king), and assertive when it comes to her own sexuality (she knows the man she wishes to be with, in other words). Ultimately, it may be argued that Milton presents a very Christian and patriarchal view of women while Aphra Behn provides a very feminine - and feminist - depiction of the so-called "fairer sex".

From the Paper:

The Different Perceptions of Gender in Paradise Lost and Oroonoko The following paper will look at the differing perceptions of gender in Paradise Lost and in Aphra Behn's, Oroonoko. Specifically, the paper will argue that Milton's text portrays women as weak-willed beings (for the most part) who are credulous and who should remain loyally fastened to their husbands' sides. By comparison, Aphra Behn - through the character of Imoionda - shows women (at least one woman) as being thoughtful, defiant, able to manipulate others (in Imoionda's case, it is the elderly king), and assertive when it comes to her own sexuality (she knows the man she wishes to be with, in other words). Ultimately, it may be argued that

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