Student Essay on Women in Ancient Greek Society

An examination of sex roles in ancient Greek society through common characters and themes in Greek mythology, showing how women were expected to behave and be treated in ancient times. The actions of the women in the stories of "Perseus," "Theseus," "Ceyx and Alcyone," "The Quest for the Golden Fleece," "Cupid and Psyche," and "Pyramus and Thisbe" illustrate the Greek idea that women should be obedient to men.

Women in Ancient Greek Society

by Colin Swanson

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, a famous English poet, once said of soldiers, "Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die," in his famous poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade." According to the men of the ancient Mycenaean culture, this famous verse would precisely depict their views on the behavior of women. Ancient Mycenaean men believed that women should be completely obedient to men and have no control over any aspect of their lives, just as the soldiers in the poem were expected to be The Mycenaean people originally lived in northwestern Russia, but in 2600 BC, they began a migration southward. As they traveled south, they encountered other tribes and peoples, and came into conflict with them. In these situations of war,.....