Anthropological and Literary Reading of the Sworn Virgins: A Study on the Influence of Tradition in Society and Literature

Abstract

This article delves into the figure of the Sworn Virgin, or Burrnesha, within Albanian culture, examining its role as both a survival strategy and a form of resistance against patriarchal norms. The practice, where certain women choose to live as men to gain male privileges and responsibilities, is deeply embedded in the patriarchal structures of Albanian society. The novels Virgjëresha by Roland Gjoza and Hana by Elvira Dones are central to this study because they present the Sworn Virgin as a complex symbol of freedom, identity, and social struggle. The analysis aims to illuminate how these literary depictions represent the tensions between traditional gender norms and the quest for personal independence, offering a contrast to the cultural tradition's view of these figures. Through exploring these literary and cultural motifs, the article demonstrates how Albanian literature both reflects and shapes evolving perceptions of gender and social structures in a society undergoing transformation.

Received: 16 May 2024 / Accepted: 17 August 2024 / Published: 05 September 2024