When Women Were Dragons Summary
"When Women Were Dragons" by Kelly Barnhill is a fascinating short story that tells the tale of a village where dragons are revered as powerful and wise creatures. However, the story takes a surprising twist when it's revealed that the dragons in the village were once human women who transformed into dragons to escape a life of oppression.
The story is set in a village where the women are expected to stay home and tend to the needs of their husbands and children. The women are not allowed to leave the village, and they are not allowed to learn to read or write. They are expected to be obedient and subservient to their husbands at all times.
However, one day a woman named Miryem becomes curious about the world beyond the village. She sneaks out of the village and discovers a hidden cave where she meets a dragon. Miryem is surprised to find that the dragon can speak, and she is even more surprised when the dragon reveals that she was once a human woman.
The dragon tells Miryem about the transformation process that allowed her to become a dragon. She explains that when a woman reaches a certain age, she is given the opportunity to transform into a dragon. The transformation is painful, but it allows the woman to escape the oppressive life she would otherwise have to endure.
As the story unfolds, Miryem becomes determined to learn more about the dragons and their history. She discovers that the dragons were once leaders in their communities, and they used their power to fight for the rights of women. However, as society became more patriarchal, the dragons were forced to hide their true identities and retreat into the mountains.
The story is a powerful allegory for the oppression of women throughout history. The dragons represent women who have been forced to hide their true identities and live under oppressive conditions. However, the story also offers a message of hope. By learning about the dragons' history, Miryem becomes inspired to fight for the rights of women in her own village.
In conclusion, "When Women Were Dragons" is a thought-provoking and inspiring short story that explores important themes related to gender, power, and oppression. The story's message is relevant not only to women but to all people who believe in the importance of equality and justice.
