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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 4 page essay that examines and analyzes the role that mortal women play in Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem The Iliad. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khmwil.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
but within this narrative mortal women play a pivotal role as they provide the motivation for male actions. As this suggests, women in the narrative are objectified, viewed as "prizes"
or as the embodiment of a Greek cultural virtue. As this suggests, the women, as much as the men, support the Greek cultural priorities of honor and courage as important
societal attributes. Analysis of the narrative shows how Homer used women, not as fully-fledged characters in their own right, but as instruments to heighten the characterization of the men, to
provide motivation and also to provide exposition for the epics audience. The greatest "prize" in the narrative is, of course, Helen, the stolen wife of Menelaus and the motivation
behind the war, as Paris violated not honor in abducting the Greek kings wife, but also the hospitality of Menelauss home. There are several instances where Helen provides classical Greek
view of Pariss conduct, thus providing insight and depth into Pariss failing both as a Trojan and a man. For example, in Book VI, Helen is appreciative and cordial towards
Hector, as he is bearing the brunt of the defense of Troy, while she is condescending and scornful of Paris. She describes Paris as someone who cannot be depended upon
and she wishes that she were "wife to a better man" (Homer Book VI). Through Helens eyes and, also, through Homers portrayal of Helens guilt and remorse at having caused
this horrible war, the poems audience sees Paris as a cowardly man who fails to live up to the virtues espoused by Greek society. Just as the "prize" of
Helen motivates the whole war, the distribution of Chryseis and Briseis, two beautiful Trojan women captured by the Greeks as part of the spoils of war, provide the motivation for
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