Antigone: Gender Conflict Essay -- essays research papers

&65279In the play Antigone there atomic number 18 many an early(a)(prenominal) references that link to theoppression of women. Creon made many convictions insultingwomenkind. His convictions seemed true to a large population of men. I believe the majority of men, in the superannuated Greek times believed inthe undeniable mastery of women. The start of the Greeks beganaround 2000 B.C. with the Mycenaeans. They inhabited the Greekpeninsula. (Perry 40)If we transgress . . . we (Beatty 61) Ismene claimed it wasan outrageous thought to stand up to a man. Her view of theinferiority to men came from the many laws constrictive the lives ofwomen. Women lived most of their lives in their homes. They wereallowed on the streets with the company of a man, or for the reasonof a funeral or spiritual festival. Only the poverty stricken womenwere allowed to work outdoors the home. They were not allowed to ownproperty. They lived their lives under the manoeuvre of a male figure.(Kishlansky 75) Women in jointure did not spend a penny often pleasure. They marriedbetween the ages of twelve and eighteen. (Kagan 53) The marriage wasarranged by their fathers. Marriages were conducted with thesewords, I give this women for the procreation of legitimatechildren...I accept...And I give a definite amount as dowry...I amcontent. Clearly the design of the women was to bear children. The role of the husband is vague and seems as though he doesnt playmuch of a role in the household. Contact with other men was notallowed for the wives, yet for the husband it was common to pursueadulterous relationships. An Athenian male state Hetairai we havefor our pleasure, mistresses for the refreshment of our bodies, butwives to bear us legitimate children and to look after the housefaithfully. (Spielvogel 75) Kill your own sons bride?...Oh, there be other fields for him to plough. Was Creons answer to Ismeneconcerning his sons marriage to Antigone. (Beatty 69)Prostitution prospered during the se times. There were twoclasses of prostitution. There were the slaves run by citizens andthe refined courtesans. (Spielvogel 100) Male prostitutes werenot citizens but foreigners. Female citizens were prostitutes,yet male prostitutes were not allowed. (Spielvogel 92) ... ...te creatures. . . child.(Kishlansky 76) In many other plays the main characters were women. This may suggest women played a much abstruse role in society thanportrayed by law.(Kagan 53)Even some of the wisest men were blinded to the rights ofwomen. When Socrates was sentenced to death he had sent the womena centering. After he swallowed embitter many of the male watchers begancrying. Really my friends, what a way to behave Why, that was mymain reason for sending away the women, to prevent this sort ofdisturbance (Spielvogel 96) Creon agreed that women lacked controlof their emotions Despicable coward No more will than a woman(Beatty 72)The women of ancient Greek times suffered many hardships. Theywere on ly considered citizens for the sake of marriage and otherduties to second men. They were considered evil and better offinvisible. There were a few supporters of women. In many playswomen were depicted as strong willed people. This leaves thelikelihood that women were perceived as more than servers. Itastonishes me to see some of these traditional views are cool it held,but luckily by a very small population. Antigone Gender Conflict Essay -- essays research papers &65279In the play Antigone there are many references that link to theoppression of women. Creon made many convictions insultingwomenkind. His convictions seemed true to a large population of men. I believe the majority of men, in the ancient Greek times believed inthe undeniable domination of women. The start of the Greeks beganaround 2000 B.C. with the Mycenaeans. They inhabited the Greekpeninsula. (Perry 40)If we transgress . . . we (Beatty 61) Ismene claimed it wasan outrageous thought to stand up to a man. Her view of theinferiority to men came from the many laws restricting the lives ofwomen. Women lived most of their lives in their homes. They wereallowed on the streets with the company of a man, or for the reasonof a funeral or religious festival. Only the poverty stricken womenwere allowed to work outside the home. They were not allowed to ownproperty. They lived their lives under the control of a male figure.(Kishlansky 75)Women in marriage did not gain much pleasure. They marriedbetween the ages of twelve and eighteen. (Kagan 53) The marriage wasarranged by their fathers. Marriages were conducted with thesewords, I give this women for the procreation of legitimatechildren...I accept...And I give a certain amount as dowry...I amcontent. Clearly the purpose of the women was to bear children. The role of the husband is vague and seems as though he doesnt playmuch of a role in the household. Contact with other men was notallowed for the wives, yet for the husband it was commo n to pursueadulterous relationships. An Athenian male stated Hetairai we havefor our pleasure, mistresses for the refreshment of our bodies, butwives to bear us legitimate children and to look after the housefaithfully. (Spielvogel 75) Kill your own sons bride?...Oh, thereare other fields for him to plough. Was Creons answer to Ismeneconcerning his sons marriage to Antigone. (Beatty 69)Prostitution prospered during these times. There were twoclasses of prostitution. There were the slaves run by citizens andthe refined courtesans. (Spielvogel 100) Male prostitutes werenot citizens but foreigners. Female citizens were prostitutes,yet male prostitutes were not allowed. (Spielvogel 92) ... ...te creatures. . . child.(Kishlansky 76) In many other plays the main characters were women. This may suggest women played a more profound role in society thanportrayed by law.(Kagan 53)Even some of the wisest men were blinded to the rights ofwomen. When Socrates was sentenced to death he had s ent the womenaway. After he swallowed poison many of the male watchers begancrying. Really my friends, what a way to behave Why, that was mymain reason for sending away the women, to prevent this sort ofdisturbance (Spielvogel 96) Creon agreed that women lacked controlof their emotions Despicable coward No more will than a woman(Beatty 72)The women of ancient Greek times suffered many hardships. Theywere only considered citizens for the sake of marriage and otherduties to help men. They were considered evil and better offinvisible. There were a few supporters of women. In many playswomen were depicted as strong willed people. This leaves thelikelihood that women were perceived as more than servers. Itastonishes me to see some of these traditional views are still held,but luckily by a very small population.