deck_15180023 Flashcards
Attitudes Towards Women in Greece, Rome, and Sparta
Greece:
Character: Medea from Euripides’ play “Medea.”
Quote: “Stronger than lover’s love is lover’s hate. Incurable, in each, the wounds they make.” (Lines 1338-1339)
Analysis: Medea’s character challenges traditional gender roles in ancient Greece by demonstrating agency and independence through her actions, highlighting the complexities of women’s roles in Greek society.
Rome:
Character: Dido from Virgil’s “Aeneid.”
Quote: “But now, alas, the storm had struck her from above, and a raging fire consumed her unavailing heart.” (Book 4, Lines 660-661)
Analysis: Dido’s tragic fate in the “Aeneid” reflects Roman attitudes towards women as emotionally volatile and susceptible to the whims of fate and male authority, underscoring the limitations placed on women’s autonomy in Roman society.
Sparta:
Character: Gorgo, the wife of King Leonidas.
Quote: “When asked by a woman from Attica, ‘Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men?’ she said, ‘Because we are also the only ones who give birth to men.’”
Analysis: Gorgo’s response reflects the unique status of Spartan women, who were valued for their role in producing strong and virtuous citizens, challenging traditional gender norms and emphasizing the importance of women in Spartan society.
Comparison of Education for Women in Greece, Rome, and Sparta
Greece (Athens):
Character: Penelope from Homer’s “Odyssey.”
Quote: “But now I am worn out with weeping.”
Analysis: Penelope’s portrayal highlights the limited educational opportunities for women in ancient Athens, where their primary role was domestic and focused on maintaining the household while their husbands were away.
Rome:
Character: Cornelia, mother of the Gracchi.
Quote: “These are my jewels.”
Analysis: Cornelia’s emphasis on the value of her children as her greatest treasures reflects Roman attitudes towards women as nurturers and guardians of the family, where their education was often centered around domestic duties and motherhood.
Sparta:
Character: Artemisia, a Spartan woman known for her wisdom and courage.
Quote: “With the shield or on it.”
Analysis: Artemisia’s famous response to Spartan mothers, emphasizing the importance of courage and valor over material possessions, reflects the emphasis on physical and martial education for Spartan women, who were expected to contribute to the defense of the state.
Portrayal of Women in Religion
Greece:
Character: Pythia, the priestess of Apollo at Delphi.
Quote: “The gods speak through her; her words are divine.” - Priest of Apollo
Analysis: This quote reflects the perception of Pythia as a vessel of divine wisdom, revered and respected by others for her role as the oracle of Delphi.
Rome:
Character: Vestal Virgins, priestesses of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth.
Quote: “Their purity ensures the favor of the gods.” - Roman Senator
Analysis: This quote highlights the perception of the Vestal Virgins as symbols of piety and devotion, esteemed by Roman society for their sacred duty to maintain the eternal flame of Vesta.
Comparison of Legal Rights for Women in Greece, Rome, and Sparta
Greece:
Character: Antigone from Sophocles’ play “Antigone.”
Quote: “I will bury him; and if I must die, I say that this crime is holy: I shall lie down with him in death, and I shall be as dear to him as he to me.”
Analysis: Antigone’s defiance of Creon’s decree highlights the limited legal rights of women in ancient Greece, where their actions and autonomy were often subject to the authority of male relatives or rulers.
Rome:
Character: Lucretia, whose rape led to the overthrow of the Roman monarchy.
Quote: “My body is injured, but my heart is pure; death is the remedy for both.”
Analysis: Lucretia’s tragic fate underscores the vulnerability of Roman women to the whims of men and the absence of legal protections against sexual violence, highlighting the limitations of women’s rights in Roman society.
Sparta:
Character: Helen of Sparta, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War.
Quote: “I wish that the ships might be swallowed by the waves and that I had perished before I caused such sorrow to my family and such unending sorrow to the people of Greece.”
Analysis: Helen’s remorse over the consequences of her actions reflects Spartan attitudes towards women as integral to the honor and reputation of their families and communities, where their behavior was closely regulated to uphold societal norms and values.
Perception of “Improper” Women
Greece:
Greece:
Character: Aspasia, the companion of Pericles.
Quote: “She is too bold, too outspoken for a woman.” - Athenian Politician
Analysis: This quote reflects the perception of Aspasia as an unconventional woman who challenges traditional gender norms, eliciting both admiration and criticism from others for her intellect and assertiveness.
Rome:
Character: Clodia, known for her relationships with prominent Roman men.
Quote: “She is a scandalous woman, a threat to decency.” - Roman Senator’s Wife
Analysis: This quote highlights the perception of Clodia as a controversial figure whose behavior defies societal expectations of female virtue and propriety, drawing condemnation and scorn from others for her perceived immorality.
Powerful and Feared Women
Greece:
Character: Medea, the protagonist of Euripides’ play “Medea.”
Quote: “Beware the wrath of Medea, for her vengeance knows no bounds.” - Chorus of Corinthian Women
Analysis: Medea’s reputation for vengeance and her willingness to defy societal norms make her a feared figure in ancient Greece, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.
Rome:
Character: Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Egypt.
Quote: “Beware the cunning of Cleopatra, for she wields power through seduction and manipulation.” - Roman Senator
Analysis: Cleopatra’s political acumen and alliances with Roman leaders made her a feared figure in ancient Rome, perceived as a threat to Roman power and stability.
Gaining Power as a Woman
Gaining Power in Ancient Greece:
Strategy: Intellectual and Social Influence
Example: Aspasia of Miletus, companion of Pericles.
Quote: “Through her intellect and charm, Aspasia wielded influence over the highest echelons of Athenian society.”
Analysis: Aspasia’s intelligence and social connections allowed her to navigate the patriarchal society of ancient Athens, gaining power through her influence on prominent male figures like Pericles and participation in philosophical and political discussions.
Gaining Power in Ancient Rome:
Strategy: Political Alliances and Marriages
Example: Livia Drusilla, wife of Emperor Augustus.
Quote: “Livia skillfully navigated the complexities of Roman politics, using strategic marriages and alliances to consolidate power and influence.”
Analysis: Livia’s marriages to Emperor Augustus and her previous husband Tiberius Claudius Nero provided her with political leverage, allowing her to shape Roman politics and secure the succession of her son Tiberius as emperor.
Warrior Women
Character: Penthesilea, Queen of the Amazons.
Quote: “Penthesilea, fierce and fearless, led her Amazon warriors into battle against the Greeks, striking fear into the hearts of her enemies.”
Analysis: Penthesilea’s portrayal as a formidable warrior queen challenges traditional gender roles in ancient Greece, showcasing women’s strength and valor in combat and earning her respect and fear on the battlefield.
Warrior Women in Ancient Rome:
Character: Camilla, warrior maiden in Virgil’s “Aeneid.”
Quote: “Camilla, swift-footed and skilled in battle, fought alongside the Trojans against the Latins, embodying the martial prowess of Roman women.”
Analysis: Camilla’s depiction as a fearless and skilled warrior reflects Roman ideals of valor and martial virtue, highlighting the contributions of women to Rome’s military legacy and their ability to command respect and admiration in combat.
