Roles of Women in Athens Flashcards
What was the status of women in Athenian law?
Women were regarded as minors and had no political rights and limited legal rights.
This reflects the general societal view of women during this period.
How did women in Athens differ based on their social status?
Women fell into groups of citizen, metic, and slave.
This categorization affected their rights and roles in society.
What was the significance of Pericles’ citizenship law of 451 for Athenian women?
Athenian mothers held greater importance after this law.
This law likely elevated the status of women in society.
What role did high fertility play in Athenian women’s lives?
Women were expected to marry early and continue producing children throughout their lives.
This was crucial for ensuring the survival of children into adulthood.
What was the Thesmophoria?
An all-women festival in honor of Demeter and Persephone.
Women camped out for three days near the Pnyx, the heart of democracy.
What is the significance of Aristophanes’ play Thesmophoriazusae?
It features women complaining about their treatment in Athenian society.
The play highlights the dissatisfaction of women with how they are portrayed in literature.
What themes are explored in Athenian tragedy regarding women?
Powerful female characters and male/female relations.
Tragedy often reflects societal anxieties about gender dynamics.
What is the plot of Hippolytus?
Aphrodite seeks vengeance on Hippolytus, leading to Phaedra’s tragic love and suicide.
The play explores themes of desire, responsibility, and the consequences of love.
What does Hippolytus’ hatred of sex and marriage signify?
A refusal to take on adult responsibilities, particularly the duty to provide heirs.
This reflects societal expectations of Athenian men.
What is the central conflict in Lysistrata?
Women refuse to have sex with men until peace negotiations are initiated to end the Peloponnesian War.
This comedy uses humor to address serious political issues.
What happens in the plot of Assembly-women?
Women storm Athens, take control of the government, and enforce a ban on private wealth and sexual equity.
This play reflects women’s desire for power and equality in society.
