In this excerpt from the story of Joseph, gender roles are sharply delineated, revealing the power dynamics and societal expectations of men and women within the cultural context. Joseph (as the male protagonist) embodies the traits of the HERO as—virtue, piety, and steadfastness in the face of temptation. His resistance to the advances of the governor's wife is a key moment that defines his heroism. The narrative portrays Joseph's refusal as not just a personal victory but as a demonstration of his commitment to his moral principles, which are attributes traditionally associated with male heroes in many cultures (such as duty or ‘dharma’ in Hinduism). The governor's wife, whose actions are central to the plot, represents the dangers of unchecked female desire. Her attempt to seduce Joseph is depicted as a moral failing, and her eventual confession reinforces the narrative that women’s desires must be controlled. This portrayal aligns with patriarchal views where female sexuality is often portrayed as dangerous or destructive unless it is confined within socially acceptable boundaries. When comparing the different segments of the same text, particularly the lines where the governor’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph (31-33) and later when she confesses her wrongdoing (51-53), we see a shift in the narrative focus from her initial power and agency to a more repentant and submissive role. Initially, she wields considerable power, using her position to try and manipulate Joseph. However, her eventual confession and the exoneration of Joseph highlight the underlying patriarchal values, where the woman’s role is to recognize her transgression and submit to the moral authority of the male hero. This shift reflects the gender dynamics at play—while the woman exercises agency, it is ultimately curtailed by the moral and social expectations of her gender. Joseph’s steadfastness, in contrast, remains unchallenged, further cementing his role as the HERO, whose righteousness is never in doubt. Comparing this story with other narratives of male chastity and female temptation, such as the story of Hippolytus and Phaedra, reveals a similar pattern in the portrayal of gender roles. In both stories, the male figure’s heroism is defined by his resistance to female desire. However, the outcomes for the male characters differ—Hippolytus meets a tragic end despite his virtue, while Joseph is ultimately rewarded with power and security. This difference highlights the cultural variations in the construction of the HERO: in the Greek context, the hero’s virtues do not necessarily shield him from a tragic fate, whereas in the Biblical and Quranic context, the hero’s righteousness leads to his eventual elevation. In terms of gender definitions, both stories depict female desire as a source of chaos and disorder. In both narratives, the women’s roles are largely defined by their relationships to the male protagonists, reinforcing a patriarchal worldview where female agency is limited and often portrayed as dangerous when it transgresses societal norms. From a linguistic perspective, the language used to describe the governor's wife—her scheming, her eventual confession, and her acknowledgment of guilt—emphasizes her role as a transgressor who must be brought back in line with societal expectations. The repeated references to “scheming” and “betrayal” in the context of the women involved in the story further highlight the narrative’s focus on controlling and condemning female agency that steps outside prescribed bounds. I believe the high points of this version lie in its clear moral message and the elevation of Joseph as a paragon of virtue. However, this comes at the cost of a more nuanced portrayal of the female characters, who are largely depicted in a negative light. The story’s manipulation of gender roles to reinforce the HERO’s virtue reflects the broader cultural and political context in which it was written—one where patriarchal values dominated. However, the translation and interpretation of this text over time may have further reinforced these patriarchal elements, as translators and scholars may have emphasized certain aspects of the story to align with their own cultural and moral frameworks. This is evident in the way the text frames the governor's wife’s confession, where her recognition of Joseph’s innocence and her own guilt is portrayed as a necessary and redemptive act, reinforcing the idea that true virtue lies in submission to male authority. CC BY Aarushi Attray (contact)