write a short paper about the film *** Yentel directed by Barbra Streisand **** (500-750 words about your experiences.) Summarize the main points of this experience. Think of the relationship of the film or literature to an issue in philosophy of religion, e.g., a concept in one of the religions, or a classical theme in the philosophy of religion such as the problem of evil, the existence of God, free will vs. determinism, etc. You may draw from your knowledge of the philosophy of religion from this course or other online or library research.

QUESTION

1. write a short paper about the film *** Yentel directed by Barbra Streisand **** (500-750 words about your experiences.) Summarize the main points of this experience.
2. Think of the relationship of the film or literature to an issue in philosophy of religion, e.g., a concept in one of the religions, or a classical theme in the philosophy of religion such as the problem of evil, the existence of God, free will vs. determinism, etc. You may draw from your knowledge of the philosophy of religion from this course or other online or library research.
3. Draw some conclusions about the philosophical material you’ve experienced by showing how this may have contributed to your own development or understanding of a social/political contemporary issue. (Refer to Encylopedia of Philosophy (Links to an external site.))

In sum: your final post should have these three points covered and marked clearly.

Part 1: Summary of experience (Name the film, novel, etc. and describe the main points)
Part 2: Relation to philosophical theme or issue
Part 3: Conclusion about personal development and/or contemporary social/political issue.

Your own creativity in the form of poetry, literary/visual/musical expression, or other creative form I have not mentioned is most welcome.

ANSWER

Yentl: Exploring Identity and Religious Dogma

Part 1: Summary of Experience

“Yentl,” directed by Barbra Streisand, is a 1983 musical drama film based on Isaac Bashevis Singer’s short story of the same name. The film tells the story of Yentl Mendel, a young Jewish woman living in early 20th-century Poland, who yearns for knowledge and education beyond what society allows women at that time (Laird et al., 2022). In order to pursue her passion for learning, Yentl disguises herself as a man and enters a yeshiva (religious school). As she navigates this new identity, Yentl becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle, challenging societal norms and questioning the limitations imposed by religious dogma.

Throughout the film, Yentl grapples with the conflict between her innate desire for knowledge and self-realization and the strict gender roles and religious expectations placed upon her. By assuming a male identity, Yentl gains access to education, which enables her to engage in intellectual pursuits traditionally reserved for men. However, this disguise also leads to internal conflicts as she develops feelings for Avigdor, her study partner, and finds herself caught between her love for him and the societal expectations of a heterosexual relationship. The film explores themes of gender identity, self-discovery, and the power of education to challenge societal norms.

Part 2: Relation to Philosophical Theme or Issue

One philosophical theme that arises from “Yentl” is the tension between religious dogma and individual autonomy. Yentl’s struggle to reconcile her own desires with the religious norms of her community reflects a broader philosophical inquiry into the role of religion in shaping personal identity and restricting individual freedom (Fedchenko et al., 2019). The film raises questions about the extent to which religious doctrines should dictate one’s choices and the potential conflicts that arise when individuals seek to transcend the boundaries imposed by their faith.

In particular, “Yentl” explores the impact of gender expectations within religious communities. Yentl’s decision to disguise herself as a man reflects her desire to escape the limitations imposed by her gender, highlighting the oppressive nature of traditional gender roles. By challenging the patriarchal norms of her society, Yentl engages in a philosophical exploration of gender identity and the implications of restrictive gender roles on personal fulfillment.

Part 3: Conclusion about Personal Development and Contemporary Social/Political Issue

“Yentl” offers valuable insights into the contemporary social and political issues surrounding gender, identity, and the intersection of religious beliefs with individual autonomy. The film’s exploration of the tension between tradition and personal freedom prompts us to reflect on the relevance of religious dogma in our modern society.

Yentl’s journey resonates with the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the dismantling of societal expectations that limit individual potential based on gender (Kolosov et al., 2023). It encourages viewers to challenge societal norms and advocate for equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their gender or religious background.

Personally, “Yentl” has contributed to my understanding of the importance of self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge as fundamental elements of personal growth and emancipation. The film’s depiction of Yentl’s journey toward self-realization inspires me to question societal expectations and embrace my own passions and aspirations, regardless of external constraints.

In conclusion, “Yentl” intertwines themes of gender, identity, and religious dogma, providing a thought-provoking exploration of individual autonomy and societal expectations. By highlighting the struggles faced by Yentl, the film prompts us to reflect on our own attitudes toward gender roles and the influence of religion on personal freedom. Ultimately, “Yentl” encourages us to challenge traditional norms and embrace the transformative power of self-discovery and education in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

References

Fedchenko, V. V. (2019). Between Talmud and Feminism: Bashevis Singer’s Playful Juggery in his Bilingual Corpus. G. Estraikh, K. Hoge, M. Krutikov (éds.), Women, Men and Books Issues of Gender in Yiddish Discourse, Studies in Yiddish, 16, 106-120.https://www.academia.edu/download/61957698/9-Chap7-Fedchenko-1st20200201-25463-1r27wi4.pdf 

Kolosov, V. A. (2023). Modern Russian Borderlands: Problems of Study and Some Conclusions. Regional Research of Russia, 13(1), 58-64.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S2079970522700502 

Laird, P. R. (2022). Yentl, Barbra Streisand, and Music of the 

Mind.https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/44605/chapter/378030041