How do authors depict sexual slavery in contemporary global narratives?
Authors have historically used the theme of sexual slavery to explore the nature of power dynamics between individuals and societies.
Recent works are more nuanced, portraying diverse experiences beyond victimhood and exploitation. In this article, I will examine how three modern texts—Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, Jesmyn Ward's Sing, Unburied, Sing, and Margarita Engle's Summer Birds—portray sexual slavery through their characters, settings, and themes.
In Atwood's novel, Offred is a handmaiden who must bear children for powerful men in a dystopian society where fertility rates have declined due to environmental disasters. Her story explores the intersectionality of gender, race, class, and reproductive rights as she navigates her role within the system. Through Offred's eyes, we see the oppressive conditions that perpetuate sexual violence against women and the consequences of complicity and resistance. The novel raises questions about consent, agency, and the human cost of political systems that dehumanize certain groups.
Ward's novel explores the legacy of slavery and its impact on generations of Black families. Its protagonist, Leonie, is a drug-addicted mother struggling to raise two children while grieving the loss of her husband. She meets a man named Littlie Joe, a former slave whose grandfather sold him when he was young. This encounter leads her to confront her own trauma and the intergenerational effects of slavery. The book also examines the complexities of romantic relationships between people of different races and social classes.
Engle's poetry collection tells the stories of various enslaved women throughout history. From African princesses captured by Europeans during colonization to Chinese concubines forced into prostitution, these poems explore how power dynamics shape sexuality and intimacy. They emphasize the resilience and strength of those who survived abuse and subjugation, reminding us that even the most vulnerable can find joy and love.
These works demonstrate that authors today are using diverse narratives to depict sexual slavery beyond victimhood and exploitation. Their characters resist stereotypes and challenge our assumptions about what it means to be free from sexual coercion. By exploring intersectionality and the legacies of colonialism, they offer new insights into global perspectives on gender and power.
How do authors depict sexual slavery in contemporary global narratives?
Authors often present different aspects of sexual slavery in their works that reflect the complexities of this phenomenon. One way is by showing how it affects individuals emotionally and psychologically, including feelings of powerlessness, fear, shame, trauma, isolation, and disempowerment. Another aspect is exploring cultural contexts where such practices are common, highlighting the role of patriarchy, religion, traditions, and social norms in perpetuating sexual exploitation.