Using specific examples from the art and literature, bot the early Homeric period and the later 5th-century Athenian period, determine what the role of women was in ancient Greek society. Is that role similar today?
We learn from The Iliad and The Odyssey that women had a number of different roles in ancient Greek society. Particularly in The Iliad, the very fact that not many women appear in the story shows us that women did not have a place in war (although ironically they worshiped Athena, a goddess of war). Women had a responsibility to stay at home, act as a comfort to their husbands, and nurture the children. Women were also seen as prizes to be won in battle. This is evident as Achilles and Agamemnon repeatedly argue over the women they have captured after they have conquered a city.
In The Odyssey we get a wider view of the diverse roles that women played in society as we are introduced to a number of female characters. Calypso, Circe, and Nausicaa show us that women were seen as seducers and temptations for men. In contrast, Penelope shows us the ideal role of a woman at that time; completely faithful while her husband is away, as well as a responsible caretaker of the home.
The change of women's roles in society is evident in the post 4th century style sculptures. Praxiteles for example sculpted Aphrodite completely nude. Before then, sculpting a nude female figure was not accepted in Greek society. Only the men were sculpted in such a manner. This evidence suggests to me that women probably began to take on more of a equal role with men in society, possibly taking on leadership positions and being involved in politics.
I submit that in our society today women are expected to play both the Homeric period role of women as well as the later 5th century Athenian period role of women. Especially in the church, women are expected to be nurturers, comforters, and child-bearers while at the same time being involved in the community and in politics.
I think that it is a very ironic thought that women were not involved in war yet they worshiped Athena. I agree that in the Iliad we do not hear too much about woman but it very interesting that Homer decided to talk about Odysseus and Penelope and their relationship in The Odyssey.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you about women. I actually wrote about the same topic! I definitely agree with you...women changed over time and now have taken on both roles. However, I am under the influence that even though they are needing to take on both roles, in our society specifically women are seen as being nurturers. You see some women working, but I would say the majority of women with children stay more at home rather than out in the work force. This is more prevalent among LDS communities and the society. Your post was great and I liked seeing how much thought was put into your thoughts about the roles of women over time.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your post. I was thinking the same thing when I read over the prompt that women were seen as seducers, and were expected to comfort their husbands. Now days, women are respectfully seen as equal to men in all aspects. They are no longer sees as prizes like Achilles thought them to be, but are leaders and child-bearers equal in status to men.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! So interesting the tie you made between women being sculpted nude and their equality in society. It is interesting to me how as women have received more rights today, the way women are portrayed in the media has deteriorated. Please don't get me wrong, I believe that men and women are and should be treated as equals. But that is a very interesting parallel.
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