ZULEIKA DOBSON Meaning and
Definition
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Zuleika Dobson is a term used to refer to the title character of Max Beerbohm's novel "Zuleika Dobson: Or An Oxford Love Story," published in 1911. It is also often used as a metonym to describe a femme fatale or an irresistibly attractive woman.
In its original context, Zuleika Dobson is a novel set in Edwardian-era Oxford University, revolving around the enchanting eponymous character who unexpectedly captures the hearts of all the male students. Zuleika makes a profound impression on the male population, causing a wave of infatuation and ultimately leading to tragedy. The term "Zuleika Dobson" is often employed to depict women who possess an elusive allure or magnetic charm that incapacitates men, rendering them powerless to resist their appeal.
Beyond the novel's narrative, "Zuleika Dobson" has evolved into an idiom that represents a seductive, fatal attraction. It is used to describe women who possess a captivating beauty which leads men to lose their rationality or act against their own best interests. This term is typically employed in a literary or metaphorical sense to characterize a woman's irresistible charm, transcending her physical attractiveness by extending to her personality and influence. However, it should be noted that the meaning of the term may have evolved or diversified over time due to cultural shifts and changes in society's perception of gender roles and attraction.
