Classical Studies 2200 Lecture 11: Classics Lecture 11 - Nov 29
3 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Gendered spheres of action in a patriarchal culture: masculine: quest, combat, sport, leadership, speech, active sexuality, motion, public sphere, strength, kleos (glory) Agents of exchange: feminine: seclusion (confines of the household, stays inside to preserve her virtue, going outside would attract male gazes, desires), silence, fidelity, industry, maternity, sexual chastity, domesticity, private sphere, beauty, aidos (modesty) Objects of exchange // married off, women being captives, The greatest virtue of a woman is her silence : meant to be silent, industrious (textile production), loyal to her father or husband, bear children for her husband, sexual chastity. Roles available to girls and women: daughter, wife. Maintains chastity despite incredible odds: mother. Raises virtuous children: certain religious activities, recall the homeric hymn to demeter. Models of the perfect wife: penelope, wife of odysseus. Maintains her chastity and her household in her husband"s 20-year absence, in the face of many challenges: first ten years he is fighting the trojan.
