Helen in Egypt: A Feminist Reinterpretation of the Myth

Hilda Doolittle's "Helen in Egypt": A Feminist Reinterpretation of Helen of Troy

"Helen in Egypt" is a pivotal work by the American poet Hilda Doolittle, better known as H. D. This literary piece offers a feminist reinterpretation of the myth of Helen of Troy, diverging from the classical Greek epic narrative. Published posthumously in 1961, the poem was written during the 1950s and is often regarded as one of H. D.'s most significant contributions to modernist literature. In this narrative, Helen is depicted not as the cause of the Trojan War through her infidelity but as a multifaceted individual in search of enlightenment and a deeper understanding of her own history, her involvement in the war, and her personal identity. The work is divided into three distinct parts, each consisting of a series of free-verse poems that are introduced by prose sections, which establish the context for the ensuing poetry.

The Impact of World Wars on Doolittle's Writing

The cataclysmic events of the World Wars deeply influenced Hilda Doolittle's personal life and literary output, particularly evident in "Helen in Egypt." The devastation of World War I led to a personal crisis for Doolittle, which included the loss of her brother in combat, the estrangement from her husband Richard Aldington due to war-related stress, and her own near-fatal experience during the 1918 influenza pandemic. These events culminated in a condition she described as "War Phobia," where the mere prospect of conflict could induce severe anxiety. The subsequent World War II period, despite its own horrors, proved to be a time of prolific writing for Doolittle, resulting in some of her most acclaimed work. Her direct and indirect experiences with the wars are mirrored in her writings, where she explicitly condemns the brutality and futility of war, as seen in "Helen in Egypt."

The Classical Myth of Helen of Troy

The classical myth of Helen of Troy, often referred to as "the face that launched a thousand ships," is a cornerstone of Greek mythology. Helen, the daughter of Zeus and Leda, was celebrated for her unparalleled beauty, which was so great that her adoptive father, Tyndareus, feared it would lead to conflict. To prevent this, he made all of Helen's suitors swear an oath to respect her choice of husband and to defend the chosen union. The narrative of Helen's elopement with Paris, whether by abduction or by her own volition, is traditionally cited as the cause of the Trojan War. However, alternative versions of the myth, including one where Helen is said to have been taken to Egypt for her protection, provide the basis for H. D.'s reinterpretation in "Helen in Egypt."

The Narrative Structure of "Helen in Egypt"

The narrative of "Helen in Egypt" is structured into three main sections: "Pallinode," "Leuké," and "Eidolon." In "Pallinode," Helen resides in a temple in Egypt, reflecting on her past and questioning her perceived guilt. During a ritual invocation, she unintentionally summons Achilles, the Greek hero of the Trojan War. Their interaction leads to a profound change in Achilles, who transitions from hostility to affection as he reconnects with his suppressed feminine side, symbolized by his mother, Thetis. In "Leuké," Helen grapples with her memories and previous relationships with figures such as Paris and Theseus, which aids her in redefining her self-perception. The final section, "Eidolon," depicts Helen's reconciliation with her various personas, and alongside Achilles, she attains a sense of peace and self-determination.

Exploring Themes of Isolation and Identity

"Helen in Egypt" delves into the themes of isolation, particularly as it relates to gender divisions, and the quest for personal identity. The initial confrontation between Achilles and Helen underscores the emotional divide enforced by strict gender roles, with Achilles's initial impulse to harm Helen being a product of his warrior identity. It is through Helen's evocation of Thetis, Achilles's mother, that he begins to embrace his neglected feminine qualities and empathy. Helen's own journey throughout the poem is marked by a significant redefinition of her identity, as she moves away from the simplistic labels of adulteress and instigator of war to emerge as a fully realized individual.

"Helen in Egypt" as a Feminist Epic

H. D.'s "Helen in Egypt" is a feminist epic that centralizes a woman's narrative within her own story, a departure from the passive roles traditionally assigned to female figures in classical literature. In this retelling, Helen is portrayed as an active seeker of knowledge, confronting her history and engaging with her former lovers on her own terms. This shift from a passive object of desire to an empowered agent of her own destiny highlights the feminist underpinnings of the work, advocating for women's autonomy and challenging patriarchal norms.

Key Takeaways from "Helen in Egypt"

Hilda Doolittle's "Helen in Egypt" is a compelling feminist reinterpretation of the Helen of Troy myth, weaving together themes of isolation, gender, and identity. The structure of the work, which alternates between poetry and prose, mirrors the complexity of Helen's internal struggle and her pursuit of self-awareness. Doolittle's personal encounters with the World Wars echo throughout the narrative, informing her critique of war and its effects on individuals. "Helen in Egypt" ultimately serves as a testament to the resilience of the female spirit and the ongoing quest for autonomy and truth.