# data[].attributes.headline
Female virginity has been a long-standing social construct plaguing women since the 14th century when Mariology started flourishing. At this time, Byzantine theologians started believing that Mary was the center of the cosmos. This concept became more rooted around the Middle Ages when Mary was branded the "New Eve," slightly bettering the image of women. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Female virginity has been a long-standing social construct plaguing women since the 14th century when Mariology started flourishing. At this time, Byzantine theologians started believing that Mary was the center of the cosmos. This concept became more rooted around the Middle Ages when Mary was branded the "New Eve," slightly bettering the image of women. 

# data[].attributes.headline
"If you do not marry me, I shall be ruined"

# data[].attributes.subject
"If you do not marry me, I shall be ruined"

# data[].attributes.body
The idea of virginity was used to subdue women and their sexual urges. Women were told to wait until marriage or else their chances of getting married would be non-existent, and they would be deemed worthless by their families and society. Afraid of these consequences, they were forced to conform to this ridiculous standard. Women who didn't were labeled as ruined and outcasts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
If you do not marry me, i shall be ruined/ Bridgerton Emotional Scene

# data[].attributes.headline
In verifying a woman's virtue, virginity testing is done by a doctor or a high-ranking official. This test is conducted by putting two fingers in the woman's vagina to check if her hymen is still intact, but this is not enough basis. Hymens take different shapes and sizes, and not all women have one. The fact that a woman's worth and life lie on this small muscle is outrageous. While women are judged based on the presence of their hymen, there is no telling if a man is still a "virgin" or not. A man's sexual life is not a critical matter then and now. Men engage in sexual activities freely without worrying about putting their lives or future at stake. 

# data[].attributes.subject
In verifying a woman's virtue, virginity testing is done by a doctor or a high-ranking official. This test is conducted by putting two fingers in the woman's vagina to check if her hymen is still intact, but this is not enough basis. Hymens take different shapes and sizes, and not all women have one. The fact that a woman's worth and life lie on this small muscle is outrageous. While women are judged based on the presence of their hymen, there is no telling if a man is still a "virgin" or not. A man's sexual life is not a critical matter then and now. Men engage in sexual activities freely without worrying about putting their lives or future at stake. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Although virginity is not scientifically nor medically proven, this social construct withstood the passage of time, reaching the contemporary age. This has been an inescapable concept used to gauge a woman's worth. As times changed, this has been challenged, and sex positivity has been the response and rebuttal to this in the 21st century. Women of today do not let this ludicrous ideal dictate what they do with their bodies. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Although virginity is not scientifically nor medically proven, this social construct withstood the passage of time, reaching the contemporary age. This has been an inescapable concept used to gauge a woman's worth. As times changed, this has been challenged, and sex positivity has been the response and rebuttal to this in the 21st century. Women of today do not let this ludicrous ideal dictate what they do with their bodies. 

# data[].attributes.headline
In the 17th century, Aphra Behn wrote two revolutionary works, “The Disappointment” and “The Willing Mistress.”  Her works are known to reflect women who are promiscuous and unapologetic. They have embraced their sexuality, which society deemed unacceptable, especially during her time. She was heavily criticized for writing such scandalous works, but she continued regardless and became an inspiration to the next generation of female writers. Aphra also believes that the reception to her works would be different if she were a man. Ultimately, she pioneered writing about strong female characters and liberated them from common stereotypes. She empowered her characters by allowing them to engage in sexual activities and be equals with their partners. 

# data[].attributes.subject
In the 17th century, Aphra Behn wrote two revolutionary works, “The Disappointment” and “The Willing Mistress.”  Her works are known to reflect women who are promiscuous and unapologetic. They have embraced their sexuality, which society deemed unacceptable, especially during her time. She was heavily criticized for writing such scandalous works, but she continued regardless and became an inspiration to the next generation of female writers. Aphra also believes that the reception to her works would be different if she were a man. Ultimately, she pioneered writing about strong female characters and liberated them from common stereotypes. She empowered her characters by allowing them to engage in sexual activities and be equals with their partners. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Willing Mistriss by Aphra Behn | Poetry Foundation

# data[].attributes.body
In contemporary times, the poem “Loose” by Daphine Arinda speaks about owning her femininity and sexuality and refusing to be confined by the standards of men. This poem responds to the negative connotations attached to the word “loose” because it has been general knowledge that a loose woman is disgraceful, but Arinda changes this and takes this word as her own. The woman in the poem continues to live loosely, unyielding, and callously regardless of what society says.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
...In the poem "Loose", Daphine Arinda satirises the term used to describe women who are comfortable expressing their sexual desires. A woman who dresses sexy, dances wildly, enjoys sexual encounters is labelled "loose". She is more of a threat because she does this for herself. Arinda claims this word for a positive use, aligning it to its other meaning, one akin to freedom. The woman in this poem becomes one who is free to enjoy her sexuality, saying, "But dignity and self-respect are MINE/ mine to lose."... Read the full intro here.

LOOSE

I live loosely
Mind open
Heart open
I have no rules
On how to love
Who to love
What to write
What to hide
How to dance
With whom to dance.

At the bar I choose men loosely
Men whose faces I forget
Men whose numbers I erase
Men whose rhythm I'll recall

Can his feet follow the beat?
Can his ribs break off his back?

I'll rub up his crotch
Touch his chest
We'll loosely share our bodies in dance.

I am loose.

I am not a box of stone

I am loose

I write loosely
I dance loosely
I love loosely

I'm smoke, smoldering at the stick's end in the dark night.
I'm wings, reaching for the sky with each puff I am free.

 "She's loose
 She's loose
 She's loose...."

Whispers like the wind will pass
But dignity and self-respect are MINE,
Mine to lose not a man's to take.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Loose - a poem about a woman's expression and desires

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In the poem "Loose", Daphine Arinda satirises the term used to describe women who are comfortable expressing their sexual desires. A woman who dresses sexy, dances wildly, enjoys sexual encounters is labelled "loose". She is more of a threat because she does this for herself.

# data[].attributes.headline
However, Aphra is just the odd one out. Most writers from the 17th century wrote about prudes and virtuous women. Jane Barker, a notable poet from this era, was the opposite of Aphra Behn. She is more tamed and less blatant about societal issues, nevertheless, she also doesn’t shy away from writing about empowered women. In her poem “A Virgin Life,” virtue is highly regarded. This poem presents a chaste woman perceived as the ideal woman. The speaker in the poem is an unmarried woman who remained celibate. She venerates Mary and aspires to be as virtuous as her. Overall, Jane’s female characterization coincides more with the ideal image of women in her lifetime.

# data[].attributes.subject
However, Aphra is just the odd one out. Most writers from the 17th century wrote about prudes and virtuous women. Jane Barker, a notable poet from this era, was the opposite of Aphra Behn. She is more tamed and less blatant about societal issues, nevertheless, she also doesn’t shy away from writing about empowered women. In her poem “A Virgin Life,” virtue is highly regarded. This poem presents a chaste woman perceived as the ideal woman. The speaker in the poem is an unmarried woman who remained celibate. She venerates Mary and aspires to be as virtuous as her. Overall, Jane’s female characterization coincides more with the ideal image of women in her lifetime.

# data[].attributes.headline
Over time, women have changed their minds and decided to take ownership of their beings and bodies. Concepts surrounding female virginity changed because of how persistent women liberated themselves from the dictates of men and then spoke their truths. This movement manifested in their writings even when they faced harsh societal judgments, especially from men. Through writing, they challenged this severely problematic standard placed on women. They were able to create different and empowered female characters as a form of retaliation.

# data[].attributes.subject
Over time, women have changed their minds and decided to take ownership of their beings and bodies. Concepts surrounding female virginity changed because of how persistent women liberated themselves from the dictates of men and then spoke their truths. This movement manifested in their writings even when they faced harsh societal judgments, especially from men. Through writing, they challenged this severely problematic standard placed on women. They were able to create different and empowered female characters as a form of retaliation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ONE Day the Amarous Lisander,

By an impatient Passion sway'd,

Surpris'd fair Cloris, that lov'd Maid,

Who cou'd defend her self no longer ;

All things did with his Love conspire,

The gilded Planet of the Day,

In his gay Chariot, drawn by Fire,

Was now descending to the Sea,

And left no Light to guide the World,

But what from Cloris brighter Eyes was hurl'd.

In alone Thicket, made for Love,

Silent as yielding Maids Consent,

She with a charming Languishment

Permits his force, yet gently strove ?

Her Hands his Bosom softly meet,

But not to put him back design'd,

Rather to draw him on inclin'd,

Whilst he lay trembling at her feet;

Resistance 'tis to late to shew,

She wants the pow'r to say - Ah! what do you do?

Her bright Eyes sweat, and yet Severe,

Where Love and Shame confus'dly strive,

Fresh Vigor to Lisander give :

And whispring softly in his Ear,

She Cry'd - Cease - cease - your vain desire,

Or I'll call out - What wou'd you do ?

My dearer Honour, ev'n to you,

I cannot - must not give - retire,

Or take that Life whose chiefest part

I gave you with the Conquest of my Heart.

But he as much unus'd to fear,

As he was capable of Love,

The blessed Minutes to improve,

Kisses her Lips, her Neck, her Hair !

Each touch her new Desires alarms !

His burning trembling Hand he prest

Upon her melting Snowy Breast,

While she lay panting in his Arms !

All her unguarded Beauties lie

And now, without Respect or Fear,

He seeks the Objects of his Vows ;

His Love no Modesty allows :

By swift degrees advancing where

His daring Hand that Alter seiz'd,

Where Gods of Love do Sacrifice ;

That awful Throne, that Paradise,

Where Rage is tam'd, and Anger pleas'd ;

The melted Soul in liquid Drops distils.

Her balmy Lips encountring his,

Their Bodies as their Souls are joyn'd,

Extend themselves upon the Moss.

Cloris half dead and breathless lay,

Her Eyes appear'd like humid Light,

Or falling Stars, whose Fires decay ;

And now no signs of Life she shows,

But what in short-breath-sighs returns and goes.

He saw how at her length she lay,

He saw her rising Bosom bare,

Abandon'd by her Pride and Shame,

She do's her softest Sweets dispence,

Offring her Virgin-Innocence

A Victim to Loves Sacred Flame ;

Whilst th' or'e ravish'd Shepherd lies,

Unable to perform the Sacrifice.

Ready to taste a Thousand Joys,

Thee too transported hapless Swain,

Found the vast Pleasure turn'd to Pain :

Pleasure, which too much Love destroys !

The willing Garments by he laid,

And Heav'n all open to his view ;

Mad to possess, himself he threw

On the defenceless lovely Maid.

But oh ! what envious Gods conspire

To snatch his Pow'r, yet leave him the Desire !

She can no humane Being give,

It self now wants the Art to live,

Faintness it slacken'd Nerves invade :

In vain th' enraged Youth assaid

To call his fleeting Vigour back,

No Motion 'twill from Motion take,

Excess of Love his Love betray'd ;

In vain he Toils, in vain Commands,

Th' Insensible fell weeping in his Hands.

In this so Am'rous cruel strife,

Where Love and Fate were too severe,

Renounc'd his Reason with his Life.

Now all the Brisk and Active Fire

That should the Nobler Part inflame,

Unactive Frigid, Dull became,

And left no Spark for new Desire ;

Not all her Naked Charms cou'd move,

Or calm that Rage that had debauch'd his Love.

Her tim'rous Hand she gently laid,

Or guided by Design or Chance,

Upon that Fabulous Priapus,

That Potent God (as Poets feign.)

But never did young Shepherdess

(Gath'ring of Fern upon the Plain)

More nimbly draw her Fingers back,

Finding beneath the Verdant Leaves a Snake.

Finding that God of her Desires

Disarm'd of all his pow'rful Fires,

Who can the Nymphs Confusion guess ?

The Blood forsook the kinder place,

And strew'd with Blushes all her Face,

Which both Disdain and Shame express ;

And from Lisanders Arms she fled,

Leaving him fainting on the gloomy Bed.

No Print upon the Grassie Road

She leaves, t' instruct pursuing Eyes.

The Wind that wanton'd in her Hair,

And with her ruffled Garments plaid,

Discover'd in the flying Maid

All that the Gods e're made of Fair.

So Venus, when her Love was Slain,

The Nymphs resentments, none but I

Can well imagin, and Condole ;

But none can guess Lisander's Soul,

But those who sway'd his Destiny :

His silent Griefs, swell up to Storms,

And not one God, his Fury spares,

He Curst his Birth, his Fate, his Stars,

But more the Shepherdesses Charms ;

Whose soft bewitching influence,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Disappointment by Aphra Behn | Poetry Foundation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ONE Day the Amarous Lisander, By an impatient Passion sway'd, Surpris'd fair Cloris, that lov'd Maid, Who cou'd defend her self no longer ; All things did with his Love conspire, The gilded Planet of the Day, In his gay Chariot, drawn by Fire, Was now descending to the Sea, And left no Light to guide the World, But what from Cloris brighter Eyes was hurl'd.