The representation of prostitutes in Maltese literature

Abstract

The dissertation aims to investigate the veracity of the portrayal of prostitutes and their lives in Maltese literature, by drawing parallels with the actual social context and perceptions that surround the everyday life of a prostitute. By virtue of its being a representation of historical and anthropological realities, literature may itself expose a discord between reality and representation upon a social issue that has been the subject of much debate. In these four chapters, this dissertation aims to highlight the differences that emerge between contemporary and traditional Maltese literature, and foreign authors with regards to prostitution in literature. My study will also refer to foreign literature to compare Maltese and foreign authors’ portrayal of prostitute. I will also illustrate why prostitution is and will continue to be a recurring theme in literature and other genres.