The modern feminist movement did not begin until the early 20th century and this implies that women, for thousands of years, have lived in a patriarchal society. The lack of female authors definitely has affected the formation of classical literature as we know it today. However, from the pen of male authors, there is still vivid comparison and contrast of female characters. From these characters, modern readers are able to understand the role of woman in the past societies. Sometimes they are portrayed as fulfilling more masculine roles and sometimes they are described as following the societal expectations for feminine roles. In the last play of the Oedipus Trilogy, Antigone, Sophocles examines the role of woman and challenges the definition
