In summarizing the article by Simone de Beauvoir in tandem with the lessons that have been presented in the text, the underlying ideas can be represented in relation to one another. In this way, a more in depth understanding of how the ideas relate can be achieved. Through the ideologies that are present within both texts, ideas concerning how love and family relate. These relationships, though are determined by more fundamental factors than those that are often presented.
This can be seen in the context of the essay by de Beauvoir. This essay represents the idea that these perspectives are, indeed, much more complex than is often realized in common standards. In her essay, de Beauvoir discusses the need to obtain a new ethical perspective on feminism and gender. She does not necessarily agree with either feminists or anti-feminists in this regard. In this way, the work can be seen as presenting the ideals of commonality rather than those that restrict or tear apart.
De Beauvoir presents her position on the standard of this inclusive position, which, at the time, was a unique perspective for individuals at that time. Her reasons for this rejection include not only the need to escape the social frameworks that have been established for the societal benefit of men, but also the need for perspectives from women that don’t require arguments that are rooted in either the case or against these particular frameworks.
Through the implementation of this idea, the problems inherent in the works of St. Paul and his position towards love and sexuality work to create a complex relationship that can be seen as a powerful indicator of the author’s position. De Beauvoir believed that “These trustworthy women are those who are freed from subjugation but still able to empathize with their roots as women.” (De Beauvoir 1952) This idea of suffering, and through it, finding inspiration and finally, understanding, is a reflection in itself of the relationship that these works have in regards to struggles for freedom of expression and understanding.
In this summary it becomes evident that de Beauvoir’s arguments can be applied to the views that are not only presented in the historical perspectives of the course, but also in the various texts and readings that have been presented within. These ideas help to relate the similar issues in a way that can present the text to the sense of family that is presented in the works of Paul in regards to his position concerning God. If God is the father and man the rebellious son, then this leaves women with no relationship.
The idea of the text indicates that there should be a relationship expressed between these individuals as well. “In the bosom of the family, woman seems in the eyes of childhood and youth to be clothed in the same social dignity as the adult males. Later on, the young man, desiring and loving, experiences the resistance, the independence of the woman desired and loved” (De Beauvoir 1952). These ideas can be presented in the source of inspiration that they are considered in relation to.
In applying de Beauvoir’s ideas to an analysis of a historical perspective the ideas that have been covered throughout the course can help in showing an understanding of both the historical perspective and de Beauvoir’s position, and the extent to which they extend. This includes not only the synthesis of the two into a single piece of writing, but also the presentation of the two in regards to their underlying similarities.
These ideas are fundamentally imbued with the aspects of inclusive rights within society. This includes not only the right to self-determination, but also the right to religious freedom as well. In this regards, there are circumstances that relate to both situations, and that can help to fulfill the need to put forth the implementations of these societal values within the context of opening up the often closed off avenues of freedom for people to express themselves, rather than observing these issues from the standpoint of an uninformed viewer. De Beauvoir’s arguments are essentially rooted in the ideas of self-fulfillment. She does not seem to be necessarily dedicated to one gender or another, but rather an inclusiveness that could break the boundaries of the world that she was a part of.
The arguments that are put forth in the article were often against the male-centric perspective as dominating the social landscape. This domination, she argued, should not be one sided, but rather, expressive of multiple points of view and open to the needs of all of those involved. Many of the arguments against feminist ideologies at the time of de Beauvoir’s writings were, on the other hand, rooted in scientific arguments that were skewed towards a fundamentally male perspective. This perspective, she would argue, prevents the relationships between individuals within society from being fulfilled to their fullest extent.
With this in mind, using the historical framework of Paul’s writings can be somewhat difficult, as the patriarchal roles of the time were much more fundamentally imbued then they were even at the time of de Beauvoir. In this sense, it is somewhat difficult to draw parallels between the two. However, in using the historical perspective that have already been written about, it becomes conceivable for it to fit in with de Beauvoir’s analysis. The analysis itself is, in essence, about relationships. More accurately, the relationships between genders within society.
The presented relationship between man and god as father and son is reflective, in this sense, of the relationships that society has with individuals. Father has love for his ungrateful and often rebellious children. In this same way, the relationships that people have with society as a whole can be restored through a mutual understanding of the essential roles and characteristics that these individuals have. This is, furthermore, grounded in the relationships that are formed through love.
In this same way, the Jewish people, at the time of the crucifixion, had become separated from their relationship with God. Due to this, Jesus came in order to restore this relationship. Paul’s relationship with love and sex. God’s love raised Jesus from death. It also is what will represent the raising of his second coming. This expresses the promise that Jesus made to humanity, and reflects the responsibility that people have towards one another to come to understanding each other.
In the end these articles both, make an attempt to put forth teachings concerning the relationship that individuals have with love and sex. De Beauvoir makes the argument that only a being that was neither male nor female could possibly speak about this issue from an unbiased perspective. In this sense, only a being that could be considered divine, such as an angel, would have the authority to make a claim concerning the issue. “In particular those who are condemned to stagnation are often pronounced happy on the pretext that happiness consists in being at rest.” (De Beauvoir 1952)
In conclusion, both articles, through their expressive intent, manage to communicate fundamental issues dealing with humanity, love, and sex. This presents further issues dealing with family and the roles that people play towards one another within society. In both cases, those who were trying to spread their message were restricted by the norms of society, and their ideas were often rejected, although they had important things to say.
De Beauvoir presents her arguments through the framework of somebody who is attempting to find balance within the difficult framework of her time. Furthermore, in both cases, the idea of compassion presents the conclusion to an important question concerning the responsibilities that we have towards one another within the context of our society.
References
De Beauvoir, Simone. The Second Sex. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 1952. 103-108.
