Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

The Female Temptress: Discussing Sexist Female Representation in Zamyatin’s We and Orwell’s 1984

In this project I aim to analyze the sexist depictions of women in both Zamyatin’s We and Orwell’s 1984 and how it pushes a dangerous sexist ideal. I aim to compare and contrast the similarities of both novels; Zamyatin’s novel heavily influenced Orwell’s and their main similarities are found in the novel’s depiction of women. Classic dystopian literature written by white male authors typically depicted harmful misogynistic representations that lack purpose besides being a plot device. The importance of applying a feminist lens to these novels is because of the way that dystopian novels are interpreted. Dystopian novels are meant to comment and highlight issues in our society and to hopefully facilitate change. Orwell and Zamyatin’s works are known for being commentary on Communism, but other interpretations are largely ignored. Ignoring the damaging effects of the misogyny deeply ingrained in the plot structure of these novels leads to a blind spot in social commentary. I argue that analyzing the dangerous nature of these sexist portrayals of women can be useful in pointing out commonplace sexism in our current world. I will bring in research on the female temptress architype that is found throughout dystopian and utopian literature, along with feminist commentary on dystopian novels. I will also bring in critical research on both We and 1984,comparing and contrasting both novels to shed light on their similarities and Zamyatin’s influence over Orwell’s creation.