In the myth of Tereus, Philomela's sister, the narrative unfolds with Tereus becoming increasingly obsessed with Philomela after marrying her sister, Procne. This obsession turns violent, culminating in Tereus' horrific act of assault against Philomela. Tereus fantasizes about Philomela not through her agency but through his own perception, which is objectifying and reductionist. He imagines her as an object of desire rather than as a person with her own thoughts and feelings. This act of fantasizing not only erases Philomela's identity but also positions her within the power dynamics of male desire and control.
For the reader, Tereus' fantasies create a sense of horror and discomfort. The violence becomes intertwined with the eroticization of Philomela's suffering. The myth critiques a culture that associates male power with sexual conquest, exposing the dark underbelly of patriarchal desire. In some interpretations, the violence against Philomela becomes a grotesque manifestation of Tereus' misguided fantasies — the act of assault is an extreme extension of his possession over her, a vital commentary on how male desires can lead to the subjugation and dehumanization of women.
Comparing this to Laura Mulvey's concept of the male gaze, we see similar dynamics present in contemporary culture. The male gaze, as Mulvey describes, often objectifies women, reducing them to spectacles for male enjoyment, manifesting itself in various forms of media including film, advertising, and even literature. In many cases, women are depicted in ways that prioritize their physical allure over their character or story arc.
However, there are moments in the myth where the male gaze can be subverted. After Tereus' violent act, Philomela reclaims her voice through the act of weaving — she creates a tapestry that tells her story and reveals Tereus' crime. This transformation of suffering into art allows her to regain a sense of agency and communicate her experience truthfully. Additionally, Procne’s later act of revenge against Tereus, where she serves him their son as a meal, flips the narrative of control and desire on its head, positioning women as active participants rather than passive victims.
The myth suggests that while the male gaze is a pervasive force, it can sometimes be contested and subverted through female agency, creativity, and solidarity. Instances of subversion in contemporary culture echo this theme, where female characters assert their voice and redefine their narratives, challenging the traditional paradigms established by the male gaze. These subversions can empower women, allowing for more complex representations that resist objectification and highlight their full humanity.