1. Should Homer be considered an early feminist or an old-fashioned sexist? On one hand, Athena is a powerful, resourceful and respected character. On the other hand, Penelope is the stereotypical wife, sitting at home working on household chores while Odysseus sails the globe and has a lady in every port.
After reading the Odyssey, there is no doubt in my mind that Homer was a old fashioned sexist. Yes, Pallas Athena plays a large role in being full of wisdom and protector of Athens but she is the one female held in high regard within the epic pages of Homer's work. The other women that Odysseus comes across are seen as typical house wives who stay at home and do the cooking and the cleaning and take care of their children while their husbands are away conquering the world and receiving all the glory. They are also plundered by foreign warriors, forced into slavery and seem to be weak housewives without a spark of fight in them, when nowadays, women are seen as independent working individuals who can work and still take care of their "house duties." When Odysseus stumbles across these elaborately beautiful women, they are also made out to be these desperate women who only want male companionship. Homer documents these women as trying to seduce Odysseus and his men to give them their own temporary pleasures which they seem to want frequently. They are given no authority-no credit for the children they raise that could potentially the next great warrior. So is Homer a early feminist or a old fashioned sexist? I believe that Homer is a old fashioned sexist for providing a false image of women in The Odyssey.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
This seems to be a popular topic and an equaly popular view. Many it's because we have such a strong stereotype of women in from the past. A huge part of our History is when American women fought hard for new rights. They no longer wanted to be seen as just housewives or items of beauty or someone to bear them children. These were such prevalent stereotypes and it's wierd to think of how they come through in Homer's writing. I really like youre ideas!
I liked your answer to the question in that it was very persuasive, and clearly expressed your opinion in answering the question. Although my opinion differs due to how hansomely Homer portrays Penelope and Athena and his negative portrayal of the suitors and other male figures, I can understand why someone would think he was a sexist. Good job!
Andrea, you bring up many good points in your paragraph. You are right on how even though Pallas Athena is portrayed as a goddess, most of the other women are talked about doing chores or house work. I like how you said that Homer seems to describe these women as desperate for male companionship. I would have never really thought of that. Odysseus always seems to be wanting different women and Homer describes them as willing to do anything with Odysseus. You are also right on how the house women never get any credit for their work even though they are doing so much. Great job on this paragraph!
Post a Comment