Beauty by Susan Sontag

 Beauty is an essay written by Susan Sontag. She analyses changing concepts or meanings of beauty over different periods. She discusses inner and outer beauty. Inner beauty is associated with, talent and morality whereas outer beauty is with physical appearance.

 

In Greek time, beauty was a virtue a kind of excellence. To them, excellence included beauty, character, morality, and ability. They expected that inner beauty would be matched by beauty of the other kind. Beauty means overall excellence. Therefore, it was quite contradictory that Socrates was so brave, so honorable, so intelligent yet so ugly. His outside appearance didn't reflect the knowledge and wisdom that were inside him. His disciples had observed the inside beauty in their teacher. 

The Christian era introduced some different ideas about beauty. A person could have an attractive appearance, but lack virtue(goodness). So, Christians made a distinction between  inner goodness and outer beauty. Beauty was considered to have no real value.

 

In the modern time, the concept of beauty changed and is used to refer to a female appearance. When people hear the word 'beauty', they think of "female appearance" and not her intelligence or quality. We say a beautiful woman and a handsome man in English. (In French and Italian, the word 'beauty' is not reserved for women only. A man may also be called beautiful.)Even society teaches women to judge each part of their bodies separately and if any part is found slightly imperfect, they are called imperfect. it will certainly make them more inferior and dependent to male. But for males, such imperfections are trivial (not important) things. 

 

According to a famous artist, beauty is a form of power. According to Susan, it is only form of power to attract men that most women are encouraged to seek. It is not a power to do but a power to reject itself. As a result, women try to get it makes them inferior to what they actually are. That's why Susan objects to woman's striving to attain beauty as a source of power.

 

Even if a woman gets success by her intelligence, she will be doubted. If she takes care of her appearance and looks smart she will be criticized. If she doesn't look attractive, she will also be criticized and ignored. Whatever she does is considered wrong. Society has a prejudice against women. 

 

Women should not limit their attention to be beautiful outwardly but also emphasize inner beauty too- i.e. vision and wisdom, which is long lasting and more fruitful. They should be competent, independent, and thoughtful in order to revive the ideal value of beauty and preserve their identity in society.