Use Of Veil In The Odyssey

Homer’s The Odyssey poses the intricacies present in the covering of the face with regards to femininity in ancient Greek culture. The exact diction used to represent such ideology lies with “scarf” and “veil”, and their placement within translations of Homer’s epic poem. At some points, “scarf” creates the notion of godly superiority, while simultaneously revealing its power in a cultural symbol. Usage of “veil” then contradicts the ideas of womanly selfhood, instead becoming a suffocating oppressor and holder of purity. The translations by Robert Fagles and Robert Fitzgerald create a divide between the use of “scarf” and “veil” as a function of empowerment and repression between both female humans and goddesses. The discrepancy of the usage between the terms “veil” and “scarf” presents a possible distinction between the mortal and immortal woman of the epic poem. In the Fitzgerald translation, “veil” is used in uniformity for all situations in which it appears. However, the …show more content…
The discrepancies of the unwed and pseudo-married create insight to the treatment of sexuality and womanhood as lesser to men. Meanwhile, the various translations bring up uncertainty to the true power of the immortal versus the mortal woman, as it cannot be made certain that the goddesses are treated above the expectations of society. As Circe, Ino and Calypso draw their parallels, so do Penelope and Nausicaa, as some of the main figures present in Odysseus’ rescue. These female figures must exist within the context of their veils or scarves, and thus their purity. Only with the scarf do goddesses find reclamation of themselves, while the veil overall may only subdue them. Whichever “veil” or “scarf” is ascribed to a woman in The Odyssey, she becomes immediately subjugated to constrictions beyond her own