The Portrayal Of Women In The Oresteia And The Odyssey

Throughout history and numerous cultures, the range at which women have been depicted vastly differs from one another. In many cases women are depicted as the embodiment of intelligence and chastity, who are then able to serve their husbands at their command; where as another depiction represents women as deceitful and greedy creatures. In The Oresteia, Clytaemnestra highlights the cruel nature, not only of women, but of all humanity, while Penelope in The Odyssey embodies the ideal woman who is able to prove her loyalty to her husband despite a separation of twenty years. In both ancient texts, women serve as a vessel that highlights stereotypical expectations. However, women in The Odyssey submit to the stereotypical expectations, while Clytaemnestra breaks the conventional mold within society and is able to act upon her own greatest desires. The cruelty behind …show more content…
However, the role of women within epic tale is used as support to further inflate the epic quality of the male heroes. Penelope is initially introduced “all in tears,” which immediately identifies her character as weak because she is crying and carrying on in public (1:336). It is clear that without the guidance from Odysseus that she is lost and incapable of living her life without him. However, Telemachus quickly takes responsibility of the grieving woman and commands her to go “back in the house, and take up [her] own work [on] the loom” and then continues to assert his authority and claims that it “is [his], the power in this household” (1:356-359). It is significant that Homer introduces one of the first female character as an incompetent human being because it highlights the stereotypical attitude towards women during the ancient time period and sets the tone for the remaining women that are introduced throughout the tale. It is Kalypso who highlights the clear double standard that is weaves throughout The