Strange bargain: a dramaturgical rationale for the comparative study of two sacrificial women

The two women contributing to this comparative analysis have existed in print, in performance, and in people’s minds for centuries. One, from India, is praised as the epitome of the honorable and devoted wife and mother. The other, from Greece, is commended as the noble and benevolent daughter. The analysis, and the accompanying performative work, is a cross-cultural investigation of sacrificial women in literature using two women from two ancient mythologies: Sita from Valmiki’s Ramayana and Iphigenia from Euripides’ Iphigenia at Aulis. In various forms of literature and performance, Sita is presented as the role model of wifely duty. Iphegenia is praised as the sacrificial daughter by honoring her father, and her country, with her sacrifice. This work seeks to remain close to the original texts, while also re-shaping them to fit a modern argument.