Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Greece
Gender and Sexuality In Ancient Greece
Through exploring my chosen ancient source; ‘Sexuality in Greek and Roman Society and Literature’, I will draw upon and assess the implications of divine gender and sexuality in order to help better the understanding of the concepts of gender and sexuality, within the Ancient Greek world.
The contemporary understanding of gender and sexuality in Ancient Greece is that of one which portrays the existence of these two matters in a very patriarchal society, even amongst the Gods. However sources have presented evidence that suggests that it was in fact women (in some cases) who held more influence when gender and sexuality was concerned; I will present this through my chosen source.
Marguerite Johnson and Terry Ryan in their ‘Sexuality in Greek and Roman Society and Literature’ infer the strength of women’s sway over man; immortal and mortal, through the powers of seduction. The chosen extract from this book that I have used details the exploit of Hera in which she plans to lure her husband and king of the Gods; Zeus, into a trap of deceptive sexual intimacy. This alluring act has been created in order to veer Zeus’ attention away from the Trojan and Greek battle at Troy. How this explains the implications of gender and sexuality in Ancient Greece where divinity is concerned; is that it portrays the invisible dominance of the female immortals in the form of Eros. Consequently it represents the repercussion it could have on the rest of the world if women wished to undergo an unjust act. Hera’s actions portrayed that the thought process which exists within women can in some cases far surpass that of men.
This can be seen through her initial plans on how to distract Zeus and thus achieve her goal directed at the Trojan battle taking place. In order to get Zeus’ full attention, Hera requested the help of Aphrodite who is in herself; love and seduction personified. As it is listed in the Theognidea 1386-89 of this book: ‘You
Through exploring my chosen ancient source; ‘Sexuality in Greek and Roman Society and Literature’, I will draw upon and assess the implications of divine gender and sexuality in order to help better the understanding of the concepts of gender and sexuality, within the Ancient Greek world.
The contemporary understanding of gender and sexuality in Ancient Greece is that of one which portrays the existence of these two matters in a very patriarchal society, even amongst the Gods. However sources have presented evidence that suggests that it was in fact women (in some cases) who held more influence when gender and sexuality was concerned; I will present this through my chosen source.
Marguerite Johnson and Terry Ryan in their ‘Sexuality in Greek and Roman Society and Literature’ infer the strength of women’s sway over man; immortal and mortal, through the powers of seduction. The chosen extract from this book that I have used details the exploit of Hera in which she plans to lure her husband and king of the Gods; Zeus, into a trap of deceptive sexual intimacy. This alluring act has been created in order to veer Zeus’ attention away from the Trojan and Greek battle at Troy. How this explains the implications of gender and sexuality in Ancient Greece where divinity is concerned; is that it portrays the invisible dominance of the female immortals in the form of Eros. Consequently it represents the repercussion it could have on the rest of the world if women wished to undergo an unjust act. Hera’s actions portrayed that the thought process which exists within women can in some cases far surpass that of men.
This can be seen through her initial plans on how to distract Zeus and thus achieve her goal directed at the Trojan battle taking place. In order to get Zeus’ full attention, Hera requested the help of Aphrodite who is in herself; love and seduction personified. As it is listed in the Theognidea 1386-89 of this book: ‘You
Bibliography: Books Johnson, M. & Ryan, T., Sexuality in Greek and Roman Society and Literature, Routledge (2005) Articles Holmes, Brooke, (2009) “The Nature of Gender, The Gender of Nature” from Holmes, Brooke, Gender, Antiquity and its Legacy, pp. 14-75 Online Resources www.jstor.org -------------------------------------------- [ 1 ]. Holmes, Brooke, (2009) “The Nature of Gender, The Gender of Nature” from Holmes, Brooke, Gender, Antiquity and its Legacy, pp. 58 [ 2 ]. Holmes, Brooke, (2009) “The Nature of Gender, The Gender of Nature” from Holmes, Brooke, Gender, Antiquity and its Legacy, pp. 18 [ 3 ]. Holmes, Brooke, (2009) “The Nature of Gender, The Gender of Nature” from Holmes, Brooke, Gender, Antiquity and its Legacy, pp. 23