Gender Roles In The Odyssey

Within Greek society, men were prominent figures in literary arts. Authors were dominantly male, as women were seen as not being fit to produce this work. Women were seen as inferior and submissive within this society, and with the abundance of male authors, women were portrayed this way in many literary works. However, despite the sexist roles within the society, works of literature such as The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh show a surprising side of women, that of assertiveness and intelligence. For example, Penelope, from The Odyssey, tells the suitors that she will marry one of them when she finishes weaving a burial sheet, but she deceitfully weaves and unweaves it. This creative move shows her clever nature, as she’s able to stall

As the wife of Odysseus, she serves as a caretaker and lover in their household. She is part of what makes Odysseus long to go home, as his sole mission is to get back to Ithaca since he misses it so deeply. “His eyes were always tearful; he wept sweet life away, in longing to go back home, since she no longer pleased him” (pg. 378). Penelope is part of the domestic happiness that Odysseus craves, which makes him more determined to get home. “But she never swayed my heart, since when a man is far from home, living abroad, there is no sweeter thing than his own native land and family” (pg. 415). Aside from the role that Penelope plays in Odysseus’ life, many parts of the story show how Penelope has her own purpose and determination. To get the suitors off of her back, she devises a plan to stall her marriage. “I said to all my suitors, ‘Although Odysseus is dead, postpone requests for marriage till I finish weaving this sheet to shroud Laertes when he dies. (…)’ By day I wove the web, and in the night by torchlight, I unwove it. I tricked them for three long years” (pg. 539). This trick shows Penelope’s hope for Odysseus’ return home, and her bright mind at work in order to keep the suitors at

When Gilgamesh first encounters Siduri, he’s a mess. After the loss of his closest friend, he is overcome with grief. “He was clad in a skin, He had flesh of gods in his body. Woe was in his vitals; His face was like a traveler’s from afar” (pg. 131). When Siduri sees Gilgamesh in this depressive state, she is vigilant and cautious. She ends up barring her door and doesn’t trust him coming in. This caution that Siduri has made her an intelligent character that distinguishes her from men in this story. Taking Gilgamesh as an example, he is all about glory. He runs into dangerous actions without thought so he can be praised and well-known. This puts him in a lot of danger and ultimately leads to the death of his friend. However, running into danger and becoming a warrior was a notable characteristic of men within this fame-shame culture. Caution was not part of this plan. On the other hand, women weren’t running into battle, and their careful nature allowed them to survive, and it wasn’t seen as