Masculinity Flashcards
Who was the title character of Sophocles Philoctetes?
The man who lit Heracles’ pyre when he requested it and no one else would. He went to Troy but left for Lesbos after getting a cursed foot disease that is spreading through his body.
Why do Odysseus and Neoptolemus search for Philoctetes?
It was foretold to the greeks at troy that they would need him to win the war.
What did Neoptolemus say in his argument against him lying to Philoctetes on the matter of virtue?
‘I’d rather fail while acting nobly, than win dishonestly any victory.’ (103)
What are the prizes Odysseus tempts Neoptolemus with in lying to Philoctetes?
‘To be called wise. To be called brave’ (131)
What does neop say on the death of men in war in Philoctetes?
‘war never chooses to take the disgraceful man, but will always prefer those who are most noble’ (436-7)
What does Philoctetes refer to as the greatest honour for a man?
‘good reputation’ (487)
In Philoctetes, what does a good/noble man appear to be?
One of high birth, well behaved, positive intentions, bravery, works hard especially in battle
What is a unique feature of Sophocles’ Philoctetes relevant to study of S&G? WHat does this mean for themes of the play?
All male cast. There’s a focus on what masc is and what it means to be a man.
What is an important detail as to Philoctetes’ painful nosos that is relevant to study of S&G?
The punishment was afflicted by Chryse, a female force (193)
In regards to control, what was expected for men in 5th cent Athens? How does Sophocles challenge this in Philoctetes?
They are expected to have strong self-control. Phil is presented as a good man but one who is clearly battling a body which he has lost control of - a normative male character with a lack of self-control.
What are the main 3 elements of the theory of hegemonic masculinity?
Plurality of masculine ideals, Cultural hegemony (dominance of a social minority maintained by themselves), and the discrepancy between ideals and the reality
What are the 4 types of masculinity that form the overall picture as part of the heg masc theory?
hegemonic
complicit - don’t exhibit all characteristics of heg type but doesn’t challenge the model.
subordinate - opposite characteristics of heg masc
protest - characteristics that wholly exclude the men from hegemony so they challenge the model
What was the IDEAL heg masc for 5th cent Athenians?(7)
intellectual awareness, served as hoplite for polis (or similar role), active political engagement, married with children, physical fitness, self-control, financial management
What was the IDEAL heg masc for Roman Republic?(5)
military service that thus enable political careering, choose offices that will best serve yourself, education (rhetoric and GREEK philosophy - interesting as its not really taken on in life because greek culture was not actually admired in practice), married with children (‘paterfamilias’), physical fitness.
What was the IDEAL heg masc for Roman Empire?(6)
military service, limit political careering else risk silencing, mouthpiece for empire in forum or law courts, stoic philosophy that reflects a proactive attempt in staying within politics, marriage with lots of children (‘paterfamilias’), good education(rhetoric and GREEK philosophy)
What should be kept in consideration when applying the concept and models of heg masc to antiquity?
They are wholly elite ideals and likely mainly mattered to the elite
