classical myth 1

.docx

School

University of Missouri, Columbia *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

1060

Subject

Arts Humanities

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MasterMorning11681

Ayah Abdulkhaleq 14418872 2. What lessons do the Theogony and Works and Days impart to their male audience? Do they have anything to say to a female audience? Ancient Greek writings "Theogony" and "Works and Days" by Hesiod offer insights into the cosmology, moral teachings, and mythology of their day. They offer teachings and insights that can be applicable to both male and female readers, despite the fact that they were written in a society with well-defined gender roles and expectations. Hesiod composed the classical Greek poetry "Theogony" in antiquity. It serves as a thorough description of the ancestry and origin of the Greek deities, describing the universe's creation and the divine order. These poems describes the emergence of numerous gods, their functions, and the complex family tree of deities. It is a key piece of Greek mythology and provides understanding of the social and religious beliefs of ancient Greece, with a focus on the origins and characteristics of the gods. "Theogony" emphasizes the importance of order and hierarchy among the gods. This could be seen as reflective of the social hierarchies and power structures present in ancient Greek society, which show male readers that they hold positions of authority or responsibility over people specifically women. They are in control and women are beneath them. The poem also mentions the lineage of the gods, highlighting the importance of ancestry and heritage. In a patriarchal society, the concept of lineage and familial pride could be significant to male readers, as they often carried on family names and legacies. This once again reinforces the male superiority over women.

The majority of the poem Works and Days is focused on the Iron Age. The Bronze Age was followed by the Iron Age. Tools and weaponry during this time were typically made of iron. However, it was also a time when there was plenty of wrongdoing and cruel treatment. Hesoid intended Works and Days to be directed toward males and their adaptation to Iron Age society. The necessity of work distinguishes human existence, and in Works and Days, men are at odds with Earth and must strive to maintain their basic needs, while women are at odds with the males. In "Works and Days" by Hesiod, the story of Pandora is a cautionary tale about the origin of human suffering because women are the root of evil. Pandora was the first woman created by the gods for the sole purpose of being a punishment to men. This story shows how Pandora is blamed just for her existence and is meant to be obedient. When she opens that jar, she was told not to open and releases all the miseries and evils of the world into the human realm. Opening the jar is seen as trying to be test the superiority of men. It says to the female audience that they must obey men because they know what is right. Although women are depicted as evil monsters, they still hold a lot of power. “….for she has the power. She has a share of the privileges of all the gods.” (Theogony pp. 144) In this, women are seen as having so much power, that it is almost feared. They can be seen as a weakness to men. This can show the female audience that even though they are considered far below men, they still can control them. Their beauty is mentioned a lot throughout the text and that is described as being their best weapon against men. Furthermore, in the story of Pandora, she is described as “…irresistible to men.” (Theogony pp. 148). Even with all her negative traits

mentioned about her they still highlighted her beauty. This can imply to females that they aren’t as weak as they may seem. In “Theogony” Hesiod says this, “The bees work every day until the sun goes down, Busy all day long making pale honeycombs, While the drones stay inside, in the hollow hives, Stuffing their stomachs with the work of others” (Theogony pp. 148). In this, he making a comparison to bees. He is saying how the men worker bees work all day while the women sit around doing nothing except taking from what the men have worked for. He is trying to explain to men that they are the ones who work and provide for the family while the women do nothing. Additionally, in this quote it is clear that the women are evil and seen as using men. “From her is the race of female women. A great infestation among mortal men, at home with Wealth but not with Poverty" (Theogony pp. 148). This describes women, according to Hesoid, will be an issue because they are attracted to males for financial reasons. When times are hard, women won't make good companions for men; instead, they'll make good partners when things are well and there is plenty for everyone. On the other hand, the poem also emphasizes the value of hard work and industry. It encourages men to labor diligently in their fields and occupations to ensure their own sustenance and prosperity. This work ethic could imply to men to be primarily responsible for providing for their families and communities. Hesiod describes marriage to men as a necessity only for support. “Whoever escapes marriage And women’s harm, comes to deadly old age Without any son to support him.”

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version