The Illiad by Homer

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Women have held many different roles in society throughout human history. Since the beginning of time men have always been viewed as superior. In Homer’s Iliad, a perfect example of the suppressive role of women is shown. Women are treated as property and are used for the mere purpose of reproduction within the household. Paralyzed by their unfortunate circumstances, they were taken and given as if they were material belongings. In Homer's Iliad, women are seen and introduce as rewards to the male heroines and usually the greatest fighters. They are depicted as being inferior to men both physically and intellectually. Throughout the epic poem, women play an important role that symbolizes their relative significance and the impact they have on the different interactions that take place. The action and drama that over whelms The Iliad belongs to that of a masculine world. The interaction between man and women in this epic is similar to that of child and a toy. The females, being, the toys of the poem are either praised and taken care of, as a prized toy would be, or just kept for the sake of enjoyment. There are not many mortal females in this epic, but very few do play important roles in the plot. The female gods, such as Helen, however, seem to be in more control than the males of the story. By comparing and contrasting the female mortals and divine female’s interactions in The Iliad, we can expand an initiative of what Homer considers the proper place for the females during the time of this Trojan War. Although Homer’s ideas seem antiquated today, they are entirely philosophical of his own historical era.

The Iliad begins with an argument between Achilles and Agamemnon over Briseis, who was considered a war prize. One of ...

... middle of paper ...

...o end in sight” (I, 59-60). For nine days arrows rained down on the Achaean army over a beautiful lady which ultimately causes them to suffer greatly. The action of Women plays a major role in War and in this Epic. Ones actions can greatly result in the overall of the war. The war kept on growing in anxiety and rage because of the women who lead major roles through the war.

Works Cited

1) Marlowe, Christopher. "The Face That Launch'd A Thousand Ships by Christopher Marlowe Classic Famous Poet - All Poetry." All Poetry - Poets Publish in a Free Online Community, Fun Supportive Cash Contests at Allpoetry. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. . (Doctor Faustus name of book)

2) Homer, Robert Fagles, and Bernard MacGregor Walker. Knox. The Iliad. New York: Penguin, 1991. Print.

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