Gender Roles in The odyssey by Homer

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Early ages of Greece introduce the norms Homeric society, including the division of genders. Masculinity was portrayed as the better and bigger trait that was found in men because it depicted strength and authority. Femininity on the other hand was portrayed as frail and weak for their submission and compassion. It was the norm for women to answer to the men in charge who made all the decisions. The epic poem, “The Odyssey” written by Homer illustrates Telemachos and Penelope have a controlling male dominant relationship, symbolizing the ideal gender roles in Homeric society, where as an Odysseus’ encounter with Arete shows a controlling female dominant association, representing a complexity in gender roles of Homeric society switch.
In the beginning of Homer’s epic poem we see the relationship between mother and son, Telemachos and Penelope, which depicts the norm of Homeric society. In book one Telemachos states, “Go therefore back in the house… all men, but I most of all. For mine is the power in this household.”(1.336-359). Homeric society is well rounded by the norms of honor and shame. Penelope’s cry for the song to halt made Telemachos feel more empowered to interrupt her cries and show his authority because it would have shamed him to have his mother show any sort of control as he thought he should be the one with power in his home. This depicts that power lies with the male gender in Homeric society. As Penelope makes her way to the bedroom, she is astonished by his harsh tone and takes his words to heart, but does nothing about it and is obedient just as a woman is suppose to be at that time. Homeric society does not allow women argue or obtain any power and are expected to be submissive. Penelope is perceived as being...

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...pon on by her children, husband and the towns people. We can see she does not do things that a woman in Homeric society would normally be doing, such as keeping the house well for her husband and weaving. Instead, she fixes quarrels between the people and helps strangers, like Odysseus, get home. Here Homeric society is portrayed as complex because of the contradictions created by this rare phenomena.
The epic poem, “The Odyssey” written by Homer illustrates the norms of an ideal Homeric society throughout the relationship between Telemachos and Penelope. As scenarios are viewed throughout the epic poem the dominance of men over a woman's authority is clearly defined. As Odysseus meets the family of Alkinoos we see a rare encounter with Arete, having strong power and authority. This shows Homeric society as it meets a complex state of affairs within gender roles.

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