When it comes to the epic poem "The Odyssey", we can analyze the role of women by focusing on Penelope, Calypso, or Anticleia in the following manner:
- By analyzing the three characters - Penelope, Calypso, and Anticleia - in "The Odyssey," we can see that the ancient Greek perceived women as having basically two roles.
- First, as is shown by Penelope and Anticleia, they were supposed to be wives and mothers who remained faithfully waiting for their husbands and sons. No matter what, they protect their honor, even if their husbands were to cheat on them.
- Women who were not like that would be like Calypso. The complete opposite of an honest, faithful wife, Calypso is a seductress. She keeps men under her spell, preventing them from living honest lives.
The role of women in ancient Greece:
- Although Greece is seen as the place where love for knowledge and democracy was cultivated, we must admit that its treatment of women was quite unfair.
- When we read literary works such as "The Odyssey," or "The Iliad," we may believe that women had grand roles in society. However, a deeper literary and historical analysis will show otherwise.
- In ancient Athens, for example, women were regarded as just a means to procreate. They did not have any political importance. Women's opinions were not taken into consideration at all.
- In "The Odyssey," women have a supporting role around the main character, Odysseus. They are either the loving wife or mother, faithfully and patiently waiting for his return, or the seductress Calypso, hindering his journey and keeping him under her spell.
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