Women in Greek Myths - Essay Example

Women in Greek society were termed as inferior to men, an aspect that has dominated patriarchal-driven societies (Littleton & Marshall Cavendish Corporation 534). In the work, women have been seen to be objects whose place in society solely remains at the home (lyrics) and nothing much better than that, whilst that of men belonged to the polis, which means aspects related to politics, businesses, and warfare (Littleton & Marshall Cavendish Corporation 584). This is to mean that men dominated women and ensured that they were sentient of their place in society. To make matters shoddier, the work makes it comprehensible that the only exemption that women had to be influential in society would remain that of being priestesses (Littleton & Marshall Cavendish Corporation 584). They were at this point allowed to carry out ceremonies in communal assembles (Littleton & Marshall Cavendish Corporation 584).

It is warranted to argue from the Greek myth that the men were afraid of the potential of the women and endeavored to make sure that they do not rise to higher statuses in society as they would outdo the men (Littleton & Marshall Cavendish Corporation 584). In that case, the women being drawn as passive, they are simply a representation of the fantasy of the men regarding women, and femininity (Littleton & Marshall Cavendish Corporation 584). In Greek myths, personalities like Athena, Artemis, Harpies, Gorgons, and Hera are good examples of ‘tough’ women who ventured into so-called male-dominated societies (Littleton & Marshall Cavendish Corporation 584). Conclusively, the Graces myths have been instrumental in bringing a clear picture of women's expectations to be feminine, as womanhood in Greece was linked to women being charming and beautiful nature, and not aggressive and powerful (Littleton & Marshall Cavendish Corporation 584).

Contemporary authors would use the Graces myth to question the patriarchal structure since it is evident that the concept of femininity and masculinity is a simple creation of society. The socialization of women in society has led to their being created for the homes, whilst the men are in the business and political world. The authors would question why the likes of Harpies, Gorgons, and Hera succeeded in the male-dominated world, and why the women priestesses run the public assemblies very well in Greek society. This is to mean that women can do much better than men and that men simply want to oppress them to safeguard their positions in society and satisfy their masculine thoughts.
Question 2
Suffering- part of the human existence
In Greek culture and myths, suffering has been indicated to be part of human existence. As seen in the argument of Diel, the Greeks believed that everything that is done on earth must be repaid, and this repayment at times comes in suffering (72). This is to mean that the Greeks believed that virtuous deeds must be repaid and vice versa. Agha-Jaffar continues to indicate that blessed are those who experience pain and suffering as they become stronger and wiser (126). This inclusion into pain and suffering revolves around the mortal going through the concerns of humanity that instill assurance to face humanity (Agha-Jaffar 12). In the process of spiritualization, therefore, humans must go through suffering which brings about the spirit of Zeus (Diel 91).
As seen in the myth of Uranus, guilt is symbolically related to the conflict between the spirit which is Uranus-heaven, and matter which is Gaea-earth (Diel 91). The creation of the universe, therefore, is correlated with suffering. An individual first experiences guilt which transforms into actual suffering (Diel 92).
These genes were, therefore, spilled to the earth and suffering becomes part of life (Diel 93).
In this case, one would argue that suffering began from time immemorial and spilled to the generations to come. Pain and suffering were then inflicted on human beings and their continued existence. Read More