Separate but Equal...

No, this blog post has nothing to do with the segregation laws and the Civil Rights movement, although, that is a fascinating time period. The phrase though, separate but equal, can be used to explain the role of women in Early Greek History. With the tales of the heroes and the glory of war, oftentimes we forget to look at what role the women had. Therefore, they are usually left in the background, yet they are mentioned often enough that they must have had some role in society.  

I mean, let’s take a look at Penelope, Odysseus wife. She must have been something special and important to Odysseus if he spent ten years trying to get back to her. When he finally returns to Ithaca, poor Penelope fearing a trick asks Odysseus a question which would prove his true identity. She states to the servant, “move the sturdy bedstead out of our bridal chamber –/that room the master built with own hands.” (the Odyssey, book 23, lns 198-99) She says this knowing that the true Odysseus would know that there was no way you could move the bed he built. She shows her wit is comparable to Odysseus’ who is known as being extremely clever (i.e, my name is Nothing).

Not only do we see that Greek women were comparable in smarts, we also read of their beauty. I mean, seriously, the Gods oftentimes “fell” for mortal women that were beautiful, Zeus, God of Gods, probably the most. In times of war, once one side conquered they would plunder and divide gifts of which women would be considered a prize with the most beautiful usually going to the Commander. They were considered great “gifts” as we learn when Achilles’ honor is wounded when he has to give up his girl (Iliad)

Then of course we learn that even though they were fairly equal they still carried a very domestic role. The princess of Phaeacia, Nausicaa, was at the river doing laundry. (Odyssey)  I mean, you have someone that is royalty that is cleaning clothes. Also, in the Underworld all the women introduced themselves as “I am…mother of….”  The role of child-bearing and nurturing was also an apparent important role to the Greeks when it came to women.  There were obvious distinguishing duties of men and women.

I think these roles of Greek women are still very relevant in society today. Women can be comparable to men intelligence-wise. There are many women that are equal in the work force and oftentimes even excel. But, even in the home, many people I know that are dating and then eventually married usually are with a partner that they are compatible with. Most times you can just look at them or listen to them and think, “Oh, that’s why you two are together. You just fit.” Then beauty is still an important cultural item. There is such a push and expectation for women to be beautiful. Thank goodness we are all beautiful in different ways and to different people. Then most important, mothers are still an essential role in today’s society. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. (The Family: Proclamation to the World) Basically I think the Greeks weren’t too far off from what we think and see women as today. We can be considered separate because we have different roles but they are still equal in importance to men.  Besides, we hold our own pretty well I’d say. :)