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Comparing Perseus And The Marble Statue Of Aphrodite

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Both Perseus and ‘The Marble Statue of Aphrodite’ are connected intimately with the theme of female beauty. The pieces are connected through the importance and influence the female form has on men. The statue represents the sexuality and the beauty of a goddess who represents love and sex, while the story of Perseus is constantly influenced by women who are beautiful or influence others with their femininity.

The statue depicts Aphrodite, the goddess of love and sex, the ultimate beauty. The female form and the sexuality it suggests is prevalent and holds importance both in the depiction of the goddess of love and in the ideal woman of the gods. Zeus is known for procreating with many beautiful women, most being goddesses. Danae, Perseus's mother is so beautiful she attracts the attention of Zeus; her beauty is enough to make a god love her. “How it was revealed to her that it was Zeus who visited her in this shape we are not told, but she knew that the child she bore was his son.” (Hamilton, 198) Just like the statue, the female form influences both artists and gods. The sexuality is admired and inspires stories. Aphrodite's female form encourages worshippers, as Danae encourages Zeus’s affections. …show more content…

Medusa is hated because she is ugly. Medusa’s ugliness has such power that men turn to stone if they look at her. “Medusa was one of the Gorgons, for the reason that whoever looked at them was instantly turned into stone.” (Hamilton, 200-201) The statue of Aphrodite has such power that it represents a goddess. Medusa has power, but is a monster and not considered a deity. This is because she doesn't have the femininity or the beauty of the female form that is glorified. That statue represents a powerful woman that is beautiful. If she wasn’t, she wouldn’t be considered a

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