Feminism and Women's Voices
The Book of Longings centers on the theme of Feminism and Women's Voices, exploring the arduous journey women undertake to achieve intellectual, spiritual, and personal autonomy. Set in a patriarchal first-century society that systematically silences and marginalizes women, the novel delves into the intrinsic right of women to express their thoughts, pursue their passions, and record their own stories. More than a simple rebellion against oppressive norms, this theme reclaims the female narrative from the margins of history, giving voice to those deliberately forgotten or erased. The novel suggests that a woman's longing for self-expression is a divine gift, a "holy of holies" within her that deserves to be nurtured and heard.
Development of the Theme
The theme of Feminism and Women's Voices unfolds through Ana's journey, tracing her evolution from a secretly rebellious girl to a woman who fully embraces her identity as a writer and thinker. Her path is fraught with tension between societal expectations and her own powerful inner drive.
Ana's story begins in Sepphoris, where her longing for a voice is established through her secret writings and her prayer in the incantation bowl. This act of clandestine inscription becomes a symbol of her burgeoning desire for self-expression. Her aunt, Yaltha, introduces her to the radical idea of educated, empowered women in Alexandria, opening Ana's eyes to a world of female possibility. However, this nascent hope is immediately challenged by the patriarchal structures that seek to silence her: her mother's disapproval, her father's ambivalence, and the looming betrothal to Nathaniel, which represents a complete erasure of her identity.
Marriage to Jesus in Nazareth offers Ana a partnership that supports her intellectual ambitions, a stark contrast to the life she would have had with Nathaniel. Jesus calls her "Little Thunder," acknowledging the powerful voice within her. However, the constraints of village life and domestic duties still suppress her ability to write. The brutal silencing of Tabitha, whose tongue is cut out for publicly accusing her rapist, serves as a horrific example of the consequences women face for speaking out, strengthening Ana's resolve to be a "chronicler of lost stories."
In Alexandria and Lake Mareotis, the theme reaches its full expression. Immersed in a world where women's intellectual and spiritual lives are more visible, Ana finds a community with the Therapeutae that celebrates female scholarship and the divine feminine, Sophia. Here, she is given the time, tools, and encouragement to write, culminating in her authorship of "Thunder: Perfect Mind," the ultimate expression of her voice.
Returning to Judea, Ana's voice is forced into the background as she navigates the male-dominated drama of Jesus's final days. However, her experiences have fortified her. She makes the conscious, independent choice to return to Egypt, prioritizing her own calling over the traditional role of a widow in Galilee. Her final declaration, "I am a voice," signifies the complete and triumphant realization of the theme.
Key Examples
Specific moments and quotes powerfully illustrate the struggle for and triumph of women's voices.
- The Incantation Bowl Prayer: Ana's earliest and most profound declaration of her life's purpose is written secretly inside her incantation bowl. This act is both a prayer and a feminist manifesto.
Lord our God, hear my prayer, the prayer of my heart. Bless the largeness inside me, no matter how I fear it. Bless my reed pens and my inks. Bless the words I write. May they be beautiful in your sight. May they be visible to eyes not yet born. When I am dust, sing these words over my bones: she was a voice.
This passage encapsulates Ana's deepest desire: to be remembered not for her relationships or her domestic roles, but for the power and beauty of her own voice. It is a prayer for validation, for the courage to embrace her "largeness," and for the enduring legacy of her words.
- Yaltha's Mentorship: Yaltha is the first person to validate Ana's "largeness," reframing what society deems a curse as a divine blessing. She introduces Ana to a world of female possibility.
“A man’s holy of holies contains God’s laws, but inside a woman’s there are only longings.” Then she tapped the flat bone over my heart and spoke the charge that caused something to flame up in my chest: “Write what’s inside here, inside your holy of holies.”
Yaltha's words are a call to action, urging Ana to embrace her desires and translate them into written expression. She reframes the traditional view of women's "longings" as something frivolous or sinful, instead presenting them as a source of power and creativity.
- The Silencing of Tabitha: The most brutal depiction of patriarchal violence is when Tabitha's father cuts out her tongue for publicly accusing her rapist. This act of silencing her voice physically galvanizes Ana to record Tabitha's story, reinforcing her mission to preserve the narratives of wronged women.
- Phasaelis's Defiance: As the wife of Herod Antipas, Phasaelis understands being used as a political pawn. Her solidarity with Ana is founded on their mutual refusal to be passive victims.
“We shall be friends,” she said, taking my hand. “Not because of our fathers or our shared misfortune. We shall be friends because you are no lamb, and I, too, am no lamb.”
Phasaelis's declaration highlights the importance of female solidarity in the face of oppression. Both women refuse to be passive victims, choosing instead to forge their own paths and support each other in their defiance.
- The Therapeutae Community: This community provides the physical and spiritual space for Ana's voice to flourish. Here, women are leaders, scholars, and spiritual seekers, and the divine feminine, Sophia, is worshipped. Skepsis charging Ana to write a hymn for the vigil is a pivotal moment of empowerment.
- Ana's Final Declaration: The novel's closing lines are the ultimate fulfillment of Ana's prayer from Chapter 1. She claims her identity not through her relationship with a famous man, but through the power of her own voice.
I gaze into the far distance and sing, “I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus of Nazareth. I am a voice.”
This final statement is a powerful act of self-definition. Ana acknowledges her relationship with Jesus, but ultimately defines herself by her own voice, her own identity, and her own legacy.
Character Connections
The theme is explored through the diverse experiences and perspectives of its female characters, as well as the men who interact with them.
- Ana: As the protagonist, Ana's entire character arc is defined by her quest for a voice. Her "longings" are for knowledge, expression, and the right to define her own existence.
- Yaltha: Yaltha is the catalyst for Ana's feminist awakening. Having been educated in Alexandria and later exiled, she embodies both the potential of an educated woman and the price she pays for it. She is Ana's mentor, encouraging her to "write what's inside."
- Tabitha: Tabitha's story is a tragic illustration of the theme. Her vibrant, creative voice is brutally extinguished by her father after she speaks out against her rapist. She becomes a symbol of all the silenced women whose stories Ana feels compelled to tell.
- Hadar: Ana's mother represents a woman who has internalized patriarchal values. She seeks power not through her own voice, but by manipulating the system from within, primarily through her son, Judas, and by trying to force Ana into a traditional, silent role.
- Phasaelis: The Nabataean princess shows that even women of high status are treated as commodities. Her friendship with Ana is built on a shared, defiant spirit and a refusal to be a sacrificial "lamb."
- Jesus: Jesus is portrayed as an exceptional man who values Ana's mind and supports her ambitions. He calls her "Little Thunder," acknowledging the power within her. However, his own calling ultimately requires a world where her voice cannot be fully integrated with his, highlighting the immense societal barriers that even a supportive partnership cannot completely overcome.
Symbolism
Sue Monk Kidd uses powerful symbols to represent the theme of women's voices and their suppression.
- The Incantation Bowl: This is the most significant symbol of Ana's inner world and her voice. It is a sacred, female space where she inscribes her deepest longing—to be remembered as a voice. It is a tangible representation of her "holy of holies."
- Writing Implements: Papyrus, ink, and reed pens are not just tools; they are symbols of power, agency, and liberation. Ana's quest to obtain and protect them is synonymous with her quest to protect her own soul and identity. The burning of her first chest of writings is a symbolic attempt to destroy her spirit.
- The Cedar Chest: This chest is a private, protected space for Ana's intellectual and creative life, a physical manifestation of the "room of one's own" that women need to cultivate their voices.
- The Library: Both the great library in Alexandria and the smaller one at the Therapeutae represent the world of recorded knowledge—a world historically created by and for men. Ana's desire to enter these spaces symbolizes her fight for intellectual equality and her mission to add women's stories to the historical record.
- Thunder: Jesus's nickname for Ana, "Little Thunder," symbolizes the powerful, world-changing potential rumbling inside her. It is the sound of a voice waiting to be born, a force of nature that cannot be permanently contained.
Contemporary Relevance
The theme of Feminism and Women's Voices in The Book of Longings resonates deeply in the 21st century, mirroring contemporary battles for women's rights and recognition. Ana's struggle to be heard and to define her own existence echoes the ongoing fight for gender equality in various spheres of life. The novel serves as a reminder of the historical erasure of women's contributions and the importance of reclaiming and celebrating their stories. It highlights the courage it takes for women to speak out against injustice and the need for continued advocacy for female education, representation, and empowerment. By exploring the divine feminine and challenging traditional religious interpretations, the novel also contributes to a broader conversation about spirituality and gender inclusivity.