CULTURAL CONTEXT Written by around the same time with a similar 21stC point of view THE PENELOPIAD BOMBSHELLS REFLECTION Level and availability of education Men were educated in Ancient Greece, first at home, then at school Spartan women had more freedom and could read/write Equal/compulsory education Now education can determine social standing, previously your family. Penelope is not given credit for any education she has. Social norms and customs Arranged/prize – marriage Business deal – determines standard Girls often married around puberty Only men were considered citizens Women were property of husband Choose who you can marry 18+, typically 20s/30s Still a pressure to marry Women and men are legally equal Societal pressure on women to marry. Women in contemporary society have more freedom and rights. Political Democratic Only men could vote Sparta - monarchy Patriarchy Democratic Monarchy All citizens over 18 can vote Penelope has privilege and power as she is a princess/queen. Nationality alliance moves with her husband British/Australian Prejudice and sexism regardless of race/culture. Social justice Erinyes/Hades was punishable by death If someone has wronged you, you could punish them Justice is decided by Gods Crimes against unmarried women/servants weren’t considered crimes Justice is decided by the courts
Family traditions and values Normally to the woman’s land, but Penelope moves Dowry Women remarried if husband had been gone for a while Women were prizes in the Trojan War Women’s role – raise family free to choose partners/divorce etc. Choose where to live Can to stay at home or work There are expectations and pressures placed on mothers. Rights and responsibilities imposed by society P attempts to protect her marriage from the suitors In The Odyssey, Odysseus has Zeus’ blessing to kill the maids for their involvement There are customs or laws that (are meant to) protect the vulnerable and the weak. Ideas about art, purpose and forms Men wrote stories using stereotypes and archetypes Home wrote The Odyssey to give meaning to the lives of Ancient Greeks Atwood’s modern feminist viewpoint on an ancient text shows a woman’s perspective on events that have been mostly dominated by the male point of view Production of a play is used as a vehicle to explore and expose ideas, in this case about the role of women in middle-class society. Storytelling plays an essential role in exploring ideas central to a culture, customs and heritage. Storytelling in both societies follows predictable patterns Being able to tell a story is a valuable way for the marginalised in society to present their point of view. Social Patriarchal society Women compete with each other to find the right suitor Slaves serve/are the property of their master Unrealistic placed on women More Men are paid more, men are in more leadership Women compare themselves Women are competitive Men have more power, status & authority. Greek mythology Gods/goddesses Stoicism Once Christian, becoming more secular One society is more bound by religious views than the other
Religious beliefs Atwood is critical/dismissive Freedom of religion Prevailing views about gender Women belong to father/husband (damsel) Women are expected to fill role dutiful housewife Children are Male = protector/hero Advantageous marriages Women are highly critical of each other Women still have an expected role – unrealistic stereotypes Legally equal Men portrayed as fighter, absent fathers, philandering husbands, Double standards still exist Women are still competitive Still a battle between genders