Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The Women in The Odyssey Essay - 975 Words

When reading the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, modern readers are confronted by a world quite different to their own. The society of the Homeric Greeks was a strong one, with well-defined roles for all members of it. The differences that existed between men and women are quite extreme when first observed at face value: the men went off to war to face the world; the women stayed at home to remain cloistered and protected. While Men and Womens lives take very different paths through the story, there is purpose for the role of each life, therefore making each life powerful. However, no matter how powerful any figure may be, there is a common bond that connects them all, something that they are all affected by, regardless of gender:†¦show more content†¦Her character helps create the connection that lasts throughout the story. After the Trojan War is over and Odysseus begins his journey home, the next woman that he comes in contact with is the goddess Circe. A formidable opponent to the hero, she tries to make Odysseus succumb to her magic, but fails: he is the one man who resists successfully. Again, we as readers must accept that Odysseus is superior among all humans and can challenge an immortal. Circe, like many of the other women of this story, is used as a stepping stone for Odysseus to complete his journey, but at the same time she is not portrayed as a weakling. She has had power over humans for ages before this and will continue to have it; Odysseus, however, will forever be the exception. Calypso, the next goddess Odysseus meets, is another strong challenge for the hero. She, like Circe, is a very powerful woman, but she wants something different from Odysseus: she recognizes his power, considers him to be worthy of her and wants him to be her husband. In book five she makes a strong declaration to Hermes: Hard-hearted you are, you gods! You unrivaled lords of jealousy - scandalized when goddesses sleep with mortals, openly, even when one has made the man her husband... And I welcomed him warmly, cherished him, even vowed to make the man immortal, ageless, all his days... Calypso truly does love him and wants to make him happy, but presents anotherShow MoreRelatedWomen in the Odyssey1646 Words   |  7 PagesWomen form an important part of each society, however their role and importance to its function are often times overlooked. Society is/was organized and directed by men. All of the most important positions and purposes within it`s routine were filled by males. This societal organization is often times reflected in many pieces of literature of various time periods, however there are texts in which contrary to the patriarchal society models, women are given substantial importance within the plot. Homer`sRead MoreThe Odyssey : The Role Of Women In Homers Odyssey966 Words   |  4 Pagesinteractions. 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Domestic affairs, for the most part, were not noted. There is a immense contrast between the Odyssey and other epic poetry of the period. There are several women cha racters in

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