Why is Helen a Femme Fatale - Essay Example

Helen of Troy as a Femme Fatale of School Helen of Troy as a Femme Fatale According to dictionary terminology, the phrase ‘femme fatale,’ is used to describe a woman as “a very attractive woman who causes trouble or unhappiness for the men who become involved with her,” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). As one of the most notable women in literature and mythology, Helen of Troy, was a woman of amazing beauty and her appeal throughout literature notes that she was irresponsible in her actions and it eventually led to the Trojan War.

However, this leads to her being treated as an object rather than a person, putting much weight on the shoulders of one woman for the cause of one war. Helen of Troy live about the time of 1194 B.C. She was considered ‘the most beautiful woman who ever lived’ and also was referred to as “the Face that Launched a Thousand Ships.” As a femme fatale, the events that led to the Trojan War occurred when the prince of Troy, named Paris, took her with him while her husband, Menelaus, the Spartan King was reigning.

In a way to get Helen back, the Acheans, under the guidance of Agamemnon, Menelaus’ brother began a siege in Troy. For a decade, the Trojan War carried on until Achilles killed Hector. Achilles was then killed by Paris with a poisonous arrow right in his heel. A wooden horse, the Trojan Horse, was built and it helped to hide the Achean Warriors. The Trojans then brought the house into the city but the Greeks opened the gates and took it. It was then that Menelaus reclaimed Helen of Troy (Johnson 2014).

Many believe that the Trojan War was just a fight Helen as a possession. Many warriors lost their lives and many scorn Helen for the loss. However, she also appeared in many historical writings that are considered epic pieces of literature. Helen of Troy was a woman who was a femme fatale because her beauty alone was dangerous, especially as the wife of a King. ReferencesJohnson, H.D. (2014). Legendary Women of Antiquity Zenobia, Helen of Troy & CleopatraGreat Women of Ancient Greek, Roman & Middle Eastern History.

Retrieved February 19, 2015, from http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/legendary-women.htm Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2015, from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/femme fatale