Essay On Role Of Women In The Odyssey

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Homer’s Odyssey effectively demonstrates the numerous societal roles played out in Greek culture with a stress on the expectations of the two sexes, particularly those of females. Two main factions of women, categorized according to their differing levels of prestige, are used to represent the different ancient Greek women. The lower level is the common mortal woman, separated into women of sovereignty like Penelope and the everyday women like the housemaids. The higher level is the immortal goddess— ranging from well-known Pallas Athena to nymphs and witches like Circe and Calypso. Even though women hold a different locus in society in comparison to men, they assume an undeniable domain of influence and power, which predominantly drives the
The housemaids play a role of servitude in the poem. Expectations for these women range from dealing with the uncouth behavior of the suitors to adhering to Penelope and Telemachus’ daily requests. During the years that the suitors make themselves at home in the royal home, many of the maids sleep with them. One of Odysseus’ first nights back in Ithaca, he lays “sleepless, his mind racing with thoughts of how to punish the suitors” (20:7-8). What he sees next is the women coming out of their rooms to sleep with the suitors, laughing and giggling. He feels his chest tighten, and questions whether he should” kill every last one of them” or “let them sleep with the arrogant bastards one last time” (20:9-16). We are reminded of this after Odysseus slays the suitors and orders Telemachus and two herdsmen to force the maids to clean up his bloodbath and kill them. Telemachus says, “I won’t allow a clean death for these women— / The suitors’ sluts—who have heaped reproaches / Upon my own head and upon my mother’s”
While there are significant kings, veterans, and sailors who all play different roles in the story, I would say that men are not as differentiated in society as women are. The theme of women domineering the action in the story is fostered through Athena, Penelope, Calypso, and Circe’s intricate relationships with the male protagonists. Without Athena’s push, Telemachus would probably not show the dominance over the suitors nor take the initiative of searching for his father as he does. Without Penelope’s allegiance to Odysseus, Odysseus could consider his many options to stay with new women and never return to Ithaca. Without Circe and Calypso’s obstacles, it would be harder for Odysseus to show his attributes of loyalty and cleverness. This interplay makes the epic more stimulating. Women of different societal roles hold an unquestionable power in Greek society that is impossible to

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