Clytaemnestra and Penelope - A Comparison of Greek Womanhood
In both The Odyssey and Agamemnon the role of women is presented from a patriarchal and misogynist perspective. This is shown in the two main female characters of Penelope and Clytaemnestra. Their situations offer examples of the rewards of fulfilling society's female gender role in the case of Penelope; the consequences of leaving that role are demonstrated by Clytaemnestra. In both stories women are shown as chattel, possessions for distribution to cement political moves, bind families and produce children. Clytaemnestra and Penelope are diametrically opposed representations of women in ancient Greece and as such allow an understanding of the roles of women and how women were viewed by their society.The Greek ideal of womanhood is seen in those behaviors admired in women. This may be observed through how they are described. It is not possible to give an accurate definition of women's roles in Greek society from two fictional stories written by men. These will be skewed by the views held by their authors, rather than representative of society's views. However they do offer at least two viewpoints from which to analyze the roles of women in ancient Greece. Skills play an important role in determining value among women. Th
Penelope is the good, faithful woman, who receives praise from all around her. Her behavior towards the suitors wins her the greatest Penelope offers a perspective of women's role rewarded. She suffered for years through her lord's absence, raising a child alone and eventually besieged by men from the surrounding fiefdoms who demand her person and possessions. Her attributes are listed many times; she is clever and talented (Homer, page 22, lines 124-134) 'She may rely too long on Athena's gifts-/ talent in handicraft and a clever mind;...' She is described as 'She is too wise,/ too clear-eyed, sees alternatives too well' (Homer, page 199, lines 519-522). Portrayed as wise, she is seen as compliant and loyal to the man who left her, waiting patiently and faithfully for him to return after twenty years absence '...she sits where you left her, and her days/ and nights go by forlorn, in lonely weeping.' (Homer, page 241, lines 425-426) That women were considered mere possessions is expressed clearly when one of Penelope's suitors suggests what he thinks should happen with her and the estate: (Homer, page 24, lines 204-207) 'Before the whole assembly I advise Telemakhos/ to send his mother to her father's house;/ let them arrange her wedding there, and fix/ a portion suitable for a valued daughter.' She began as the property of her father, became the property of Odysseus; when Odysseus left she devolved onto her son who was urged to send her back to her original owner, her father, for redistribution. This idea of women as property is held throughout the text. The swineherd offer
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Approximate Word count = 1070
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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