The Role Of Women During The Athenian Society - 1350 Words

â€Å"Being female in this world means having been robbed of the potential for human choice by men who love to hate us. One does not make choices in freedom. Instead, one conforms in body type and behaviour and values to become an object of male sexual desire, which requires an abandonment of a wide-ranging capacity choice†¦Men too make choices. When will they choose not to despise us?† Andrea Dworkin Abstract This essay investigates the role of women in Athenian society, which will show the portrayal of women and how Athenian men treated them. This paper will also go into detail as to whether a history of women is possible in Athenian society. Additionally, showing the importance of civil rights, marriage, sex birth, domestic roles, prostitution, priestess, slaves, children and death burial in the world of Athenian women. 1. Introduction To introduce this research paper, I would like to open with words of Muriel Rukeyser (Kossman (ed.), 2001:197-198): â€Å"Oedipus said, I want to ask one question. Why didn t I recognize my mother? You gave the wrong answer, said the Sphinx. But that was what made everything possible, said Oedipus. No, she said. When I asked, What walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening, you answered, Man. You didn t say anything about woman. When you say Man, said Oedipus, you include women too. Everyone knows that. She said, That s what youShow MoreRelatedAncient Athenian And Egyptian Women1466 Words   |  6 PagesOne of the most striking differences between ancient Athenian women and ancient Egyptian women was the ability to hold positions of power. Egyptian women were monarchs and held other positions depending on their social status. 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