Ancient Greek Women Analysis
Women Subordination in Greek Mythology
The versatility and malleability of Greek myths allowed ancient to incorporate their values and traditions. One recurrent theme throughout times and cultures seems to remain the same: the inferiority of women. In the following pages, I will discuss the relationship in Greek mythology between males and female figures. Furthermore, I will examine how ancient Greeks displayed their typical gender ideals through the visual representation of such myths. This analysis has the purpose of educating modern audiences about the impact of misogynistic visual material; thus, allowing them to reflect in the modern values.
The Centauromachy refers to the battle between centaurs and the Lapiths during King Peirithoos’ …show more content…
Perseus’ most renowned heroic act was the killing of Medusa. However, this adventure only began after King Polydektes’ command, since he wanted Perseus death so that he could marry his mother. Since the beginning, Perseus’ myth warns the Greek audience about the troublesome nature of women. Figure 20 shows a rare depiction of Medusa’s death since she is depicted as a half-horse. This depiction emphasizes the animalistic and devious characteristics of women; Medusa is looking directly to the viewer, signaling her dangerous personality, while a lizard hovers next to her. This lizard, a sign of doom, intensifies her evilness. On the contrary, Perseus dominates this monster by pulling her hair and thrust his sword against her neck, which can be interpreted as sexual innuendo, stating that women are the passive and penetrable …show more content…
Odysseus’ voyage home indicates the consequences and menaces of women. Throughout his voyage, Odysseus encounters threats, which most of the time women had caused them. He encounters the witch Circe, the sirens, Skylla, Charybdis, among other female figures. For example, figure 28 shows the encounter of Odysseus and the sirens, the sirens’ hybrid representation alludes to their animalistic and inferior nature. This vase has a clear message: women are tricksters and allurers; ignore their voices and opinions. Similarly, figure 29 clearly states the threat of women’s sexuality; it literally presents parallels a vagina to a rapid man-eater monster. Thus, Odysseus’ myth advises men to control and to eliminate this improper behavior, to question female’s nature, and to impose the proper and ideal wife, just like
The versatility and malleability of Greek myths allowed ancient to incorporate their values and traditions. One recurrent theme throughout times and cultures seems to remain the same: the inferiority of women. In the following pages, I will discuss the relationship in Greek mythology between males and female figures. Furthermore, I will examine how ancient Greeks displayed their typical gender ideals through the visual representation of such myths. This analysis has the purpose of educating modern audiences about the impact of misogynistic visual material; thus, allowing them to reflect in the modern values.
The Centauromachy refers to the battle between centaurs and the Lapiths during King Peirithoos’ …show more content…
Perseus’ most renowned heroic act was the killing of Medusa. However, this adventure only began after King Polydektes’ command, since he wanted Perseus death so that he could marry his mother. Since the beginning, Perseus’ myth warns the Greek audience about the troublesome nature of women. Figure 20 shows a rare depiction of Medusa’s death since she is depicted as a half-horse. This depiction emphasizes the animalistic and devious characteristics of women; Medusa is looking directly to the viewer, signaling her dangerous personality, while a lizard hovers next to her. This lizard, a sign of doom, intensifies her evilness. On the contrary, Perseus dominates this monster by pulling her hair and thrust his sword against her neck, which can be interpreted as sexual innuendo, stating that women are the passive and penetrable …show more content…
Odysseus’ voyage home indicates the consequences and menaces of women. Throughout his voyage, Odysseus encounters threats, which most of the time women had caused them. He encounters the witch Circe, the sirens, Skylla, Charybdis, among other female figures. For example, figure 28 shows the encounter of Odysseus and the sirens, the sirens’ hybrid representation alludes to their animalistic and inferior nature. This vase has a clear message: women are tricksters and allurers; ignore their voices and opinions. Similarly, figure 29 clearly states the threat of women’s sexuality; it literally presents parallels a vagina to a rapid man-eater monster. Thus, Odysseus’ myth advises men to control and to eliminate this improper behavior, to question female’s nature, and to impose the proper and ideal wife, just like