Gender

Gender is a central theme in this novel. From the early parts of the novel, the Spartan ideals and role of women is discussed by the Spartan characters and their guests from other city-states. Spartan women are prized for their physical strength and intelligence. They are educated and trained in combat from an early age, activities that were not normalized or permitted for women in other parts of Greece and the world at this time in ancient history. Despite their relative freedom, their lives are still decided by men. Clytemnestra and Helen are forced to be married against their will, and all of the women in the castle are forced to submit to the desires of the king, especially his wife. Casati illustrates other forms of gendered hypocrisy throughout the novel. One way she does this is through the depiction of homosexual relationships. Clytemnestra’s sister...