The Iliad is a classic epic poem that offers readers a glimpse of the Greek mindset. Is is fairly easy to see the honor and glory bound society through men like Hector and Achilles, but what were the societal standards for women? While women definitely take a more passive behind the scenes role, Homer still portrays them in many different ways. First, Homer shows the beautiful war prizes Chryseis and Bryseis, who cause the feud between Agamemnon and Achilles. Then, he shows overprotective caretakers in Hecuba, Thetis and Adromache. Finally, he shows the goddesses Aphrodite and Hera interfering with the affairs of men at the same rate as the gods. The Iliad does not offer a very positive view of women, but two of the most prominent characters, Athena and Helen, do exemplify some more positive traits to offer a portrait of a Greek woman to complement the kleos- driven man.
Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess …show more content…
When Hector and Paris return to Troy and see their wives, we see that their relationships directly correspond with their character. When Andromache and Hector meet, we see that they have a healthy, loving relationship. In the Greek mindset Andromache may seem to act desperately and encourage Hector to cowardice, but this also shows the great love and loyalty she has toward him. Homer repeatedly calls her “his loving wife ” (6.576, 6.59) meaning she did truly care for him and that Hector did have qualities worthy of love. In contrast, Helen and Paris have a strained, and very one sided relationship. This really shows the character of Paris who does not even have respect from his wife. Helen even goes so far as to say that “ I would to god you’d died there, brought down that great soldier, my husband long ago.” (3.500-501) This direct reflection of a Greek man’s relationship at home with his wife carries into the battlefield with him into his honor and
Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess …show more content…
When Hector and Paris return to Troy and see their wives, we see that their relationships directly correspond with their character. When Andromache and Hector meet, we see that they have a healthy, loving relationship. In the Greek mindset Andromache may seem to act desperately and encourage Hector to cowardice, but this also shows the great love and loyalty she has toward him. Homer repeatedly calls her “his loving wife ” (6.576, 6.59) meaning she did truly care for him and that Hector did have qualities worthy of love. In contrast, Helen and Paris have a strained, and very one sided relationship. This really shows the character of Paris who does not even have respect from his wife. Helen even goes so far as to say that “ I would to god you’d died there, brought down that great soldier, my husband long ago.” (3.500-501) This direct reflection of a Greek man’s relationship at home with his wife carries into the battlefield with him into his honor and