Femininity Lost and Regained

The author of the phenomenal bestsellers He and She discusses the importance of regaining the feminine dimension in our lives. Johnson contrasts the patriarchal tragedy of ancient Thebes with the resilient feminine figures of the Mahabharata. The book tracks how Athenian civilization subordinated relatedness to civic dominance, leaving a lasting psychological wound across Western culture. Traditional India provides an enduring counterpoint, preserving the warmth of human connection where Western heroism chose isolation. Turning to the courtly love of twelfth-century France and the legends of King Arthur, Johnson highlights the fragile historical moments when feminine values briefly challenged patriarchal rule. According to Johnson, regaining the power of feminine feeling and value is critical to the development of human peace and consciousness. Depth Psychology: Explores how repressed emotional capacities sour into discontent and moodiness, drawing on Carl Jung’s insights into the unconscious to explain why feeling must be reclaimed. Mythology and Folklore: Contrasts Western tragic narratives with Hindu epics such as the tale of Savitri, who pursues Death into the underworld to reclaim her husband Satyavan through unwavering love. Archetypes: Reinterprets the legend of King Arthur and the loathsome hag, demonstrating how Sir Gawain transforms a grotesque curse by granting his bride sovereignty over her own choices. Gender Studies: Examines the sixth-century Council of Mâcon, where church authorities debated by a single vote whether women possessed souls, laying bare the deep roots of patriarchal exclusion. Also by This Author: She.