There is a short story called 'A Rose for Emily' by William Faulkner. Emily, the main character, is a woman dealing with the expectations and restrictions of her society. Her actions, like keeping her father's body and later her lover's, could be seen as a form of penance in a way. She was trapped in a world where she had little agency as a woman, and her extreme actions might be a reaction to that lack of freedom.
In short stories, women's issues can be explored through penance by showing how women are made to feel guilty or at fault for things that are often not their doing. For example, a story might show a woman who is punished by society for having a career instead of focusing solely on family. Her internal struggle and any self - imposed restrictions could be seen as penance. She may constantly question herself and try to make up for what society deems as her 'wrong' choice.
A common example is domestic violence. In some short stories, women are portrayed as victims of domestic abuse, which is a serious women's issue. Another example is the lack of financial independence for women. They might be dependent on male family members for money, and this can lead to a loss of autonomy. Also, in certain short stories, the issue of women's mental health is explored, as they often face stress and anxiety due to various social and family pressures.
In short stories, women's issues can be complex. For example, in some stories, the issue of gender inequality in the workplace is highlighted. Women might face discrimination in promotions or salary. Another common issue is the objectification of women, where they are seen as mere objects of beauty rather than individuals with their own thoughts and abilities. Also, the struggle for women's rights within the family, like having an equal say in family decisions, is often explored in short stories.
The book can be a tool for education. It can be used in classrooms or study groups to start discussions about women's issues. It can expose people to different perspectives within the female experience that they may not have considered before. For instance, stories about women in different cultures and how they deal with gender - related issues can broaden our understanding of the global nature of women's experiences.
One might find stories about female empowerment. For example, a story where a woman overcomes workplace discrimination to reach a top position in a male - dominated field.
A penance novel typically focuses on the journey of a character who is seeking to atone for something. It could be a moral, ethical or personal transgression. These novels can be set in different historical periods or fictional worlds. They may explore the internal struggle of the protagonist as they try to come to terms with their guilt and find a way to redeem themselves. Some penance novels also show how the act of penance can transform not only the character but also the society around them.
One popular one is 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It deals with themes like growing up as a woman in Iran during a time of political unrest, covering topics such as identity, feminism, and the impact of cultural and political forces on women.