For centuries women have been discriminated against—viewed as subservient and even considered inferior to man. Society has set rules and regulations that constantly degrade women and also keep them confined to the belief that they are invaluable without having a man in their life. These rules and regulations are created on the basis of gender. In other words, “gender roles” specify what women can, cannot and need to do to earn or acquire in order to be rightfully respected. According to the Webster dictionary Gender role is defined as: “… your gender role is the public expression of your gender identity”. The following articles “WOMEN'S SPACE AND WINGLESS WORDS IN THE ODYSSEY by Judith Fletcher, the review about “WOMEN IN MIDIEVAL SOCIETY”
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The females were treated lower or lowest on the hierarchy scale in comparison to the males, who really don’t have a place to say or do in the life they want to live. They are controlled when there is masculine figure around. The quote” … and bid your handmaids to do their work. But stories concern men, all men, but especially me, for mine is the power in the house.” (Fletcher 79) is said by Penelope’s’ son; Telemachus, saying this to his own mother, because he is grown and therefore authority of the house has bestowed upon him, he now has the power to control and rule the house to his wishes and desire. Penelope being a female (even though she is his mother!) had no choice but to yield to her sons voice and went right back into the house with the maids. The author used that example to reveal how the women were treated inferior with lack of respect. They are considered to be housewives who have to follow the commands of their husbands, who are the supreme and the head of the household; a dominant male figure, disregarding if you are young or old. Women are viewed as property or a won prize, and they have no choice in who they end up getting married to. Penelope might have been weak in voice, but powerful in the mind being able to outwit suitors by devious stalling to buy herself time and prolong her …show more content…
Harvey the author of “Review of women in medieval society” uses her knowledge to enlighten readers about women's roles in society during the middle age period, how they went to and beyond the horizon to prove to men or their husbands their potential. From the text,” … We read both that the higher the social class of women the higher their status, because they took on administrative duties in their husband’s absence (Herlihy), and that the working woman was much likely to play an equal part with men in economic life than women of superior status, who influence events.” (Harvey 281-282) shows the struggles including having to balance themselves and time between housework and deal with actual work environment. While still being stuck down deep in the downward spiral of having little to no rights in power or speech, like being told and there is nothing more to say but obey. The principal role of a lady during this time was to care for her family which in essence was where they live (the house) and the children. They were satisfied with what they were doing being that they knew they were creating a better future for themselves and their female children. Their earning gave them the power of speech and an ability to put up a fight. Their legs and physical bodies may be tired, but their soul rejoices because of the path they are constructing for their younglings. Women eventually got a break through, having a day job, helping out with the families financially earned them a
The females were treated lower or lowest on the hierarchy scale in comparison to the males, who really don’t have a place to say or do in the life they want to live. They are controlled when there is masculine figure around. The quote” … and bid your handmaids to do their work. But stories concern men, all men, but especially me, for mine is the power in the house.” (Fletcher 79) is said by Penelope’s’ son; Telemachus, saying this to his own mother, because he is grown and therefore authority of the house has bestowed upon him, he now has the power to control and rule the house to his wishes and desire. Penelope being a female (even though she is his mother!) had no choice but to yield to her sons voice and went right back into the house with the maids. The author used that example to reveal how the women were treated inferior with lack of respect. They are considered to be housewives who have to follow the commands of their husbands, who are the supreme and the head of the household; a dominant male figure, disregarding if you are young or old. Women are viewed as property or a won prize, and they have no choice in who they end up getting married to. Penelope might have been weak in voice, but powerful in the mind being able to outwit suitors by devious stalling to buy herself time and prolong her …show more content…
Harvey the author of “Review of women in medieval society” uses her knowledge to enlighten readers about women's roles in society during the middle age period, how they went to and beyond the horizon to prove to men or their husbands their potential. From the text,” … We read both that the higher the social class of women the higher their status, because they took on administrative duties in their husband’s absence (Herlihy), and that the working woman was much likely to play an equal part with men in economic life than women of superior status, who influence events.” (Harvey 281-282) shows the struggles including having to balance themselves and time between housework and deal with actual work environment. While still being stuck down deep in the downward spiral of having little to no rights in power or speech, like being told and there is nothing more to say but obey. The principal role of a lady during this time was to care for her family which in essence was where they live (the house) and the children. They were satisfied with what they were doing being that they knew they were creating a better future for themselves and their female children. Their earning gave them the power of speech and an ability to put up a fight. Their legs and physical bodies may be tired, but their soul rejoices because of the path they are constructing for their younglings. Women eventually got a break through, having a day job, helping out with the families financially earned them a