Evgeny In The Short Story 'The Devil'

Words: 206
Pages: 1
Open Document
In the end, the misogynistic views of both the author and the protagonist, Evgeny, in the short story The Devil, leads them to develop a complex where they categorize women into two distinct groups, known as the Madonna or the whore. This complex is evident throughout the story as the readers are introduced to Liza, the two mothers (Marya and Varvara) and Stephanida. Liza is seen as the dainty and delicate Madonna, who sacrifices anything for Evgeny. The two mothers also fall into the category of the Madonna since they are caring and full of motherly wisdom. Lastly, Stephanida is portrayed as the whore because of her willingness to engage in sexual activity with men. These stereotypes ultimately lead to a society where it is acceptable to define
Show More

Related Documents: Evgeny In The Short Story 'The Devil'

Archetype Of Liza

the author and Evgeny see Liza as the Madonna. A Madonna is a woman who exhibits the characteristics of an innocent virgin; delicate, weak, nurturing and submissive. Madonnas are women who represent stability in a relationship, someone who is subservient and an all around “good girl”. Men in the early era (1800’s, when this story was written), were taught that Madonnas are the only ones they should marry and wait until marriage to become intimate with. For the short story, The Devil, Liza is portrayed…

Words 359 - Pages 2

Leo Tolstoy The Devil

stereotypes harmful to the representation of women, limit the status of women in society, but also give men a feeling of superiority. In Leo Tolstoy’s short story, The Devil, a man is faced with a moral dilemma (that leads to his demise), when he is forced to choose between his wife or his ex-mistress. In this story, both the author and the protagonist, Evgeny, display a “Madonna-whore” complex,…

Words 191 - Pages 1