After Sappho Analysis

After Sappho by Schwartz is, a biological book set in the 1880s in Italy to explore the motivation of feminism. The biography is written in the first-person narrative utilizing the pronoun “We” to refer to all historical women who played a critical role in advocating for women’s rights. The book is written in an informative tone to enlighten readers about the difficulties the women of the previous century went through to get their freedom. The story's protagonist is Lina Poletti, whose efforts to fight for women's rights are similar to Sappho, a heroic woman who lived many years advocating for women's rights. Schwartz explores the themes of feminism, determination, and women's suppression in the 18th century. Schwartz uses literary elements such as symbolism, irony, and imagery to enhance readers' experience.

The book follows the biographical fragments of historical women who positioned themselves as feminists. A notable figure in the narrative is Poletti, a woman born in a patriarchal society. Poletti’s mother, Rina, got married at 12, and got married to the man who raped her. Despite Rina being a bright young girl, her father insisted that she get married to her assaulter. Poletti grew up seeing the suppression of women in the patriarchal society and vowed to fight for women's rights. For instance, Poletti went against all odds to graduate with a medical degree like any other man. Poletti was not alone in the feminist movement because several other renowned women fought for women's rights. Schwartz illustrates the theme of determination through Poletti’s ambition to become the first female pathologist, and she achieved her goals.

The primary symbolism in After Sappho is in the Italian law found in Article 544 of the Penal code, which glorifies patriarchy. This law symbolizes women’s oppression because it requires women to be married to their sexual oppressors. Consequently, Schwartz shows that men in ancient times used all mechanisms to suppress women. In addition, betrayal is symbolized by Rina’s father's decision to force her to get married to a man who raped her. Despite the father knowing that Rina is a bright, promising woman working as an accountant in his factory, he does the contrary and betrays her daughter. In conclusion, the women in the 18th and early 19th centuries did their best to advocate for women's rights, which is why a modern woman can access equal opportunities to men.