In Homer’s The Odyssey, men and women show traits that are still applicable in today’s society. Despite the epic poem being written in the Ancient Greek world, we must learn from the examples that the characters set of right and wrong. In the twenty-first century, people assume that they could never make the grave mistakes that past cultures did. It is through literature that humanity learns how to thrive. Despite the fact that the The Odyssey was written in the 8th century BCE, society can still learn from the erroneous ideals and expectations for men and women that it displays.
The Odyssey explores distorted gender role themes that have since evolved into a better balanced society. Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, was left alone at home for twenty years while Odysseus traveled the world embarking on extravagant adventures. Although Odysseus was fending off monsters, Penelope showed her emotional struggle when she “sank down, holding the weapon on her knees, and drew her husband’s great bow out, and sobbed and bit her lip and let the salt tears flow” (Homer 1150). Penelope was expected to take care of her home and child, but she longed for her husband. It was the man’s position to ward off monsters and save nations, and the woman’s position to care for the children and cleaning. It was not seen as an issue that a woman did not receive as many opportunities as a man in those times, but today, as people become more aware of the world we live in, it is seen as a problem. Women
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People’s thoughts and ideas constantly evolve as times change, however, the literature that we read impacts how we think of people’s roles in society. The Odyssey, despite being one of the most well written epic poems of all time, has concepts that people need to realize should not be applied today. In conclusion, from The Odyssey, gender stereotypes and ideals should be assessed before being established and assumed