Summary Of The Book 'Goddesses, Wives, And Slaves'

Goddesses, Whores, Wives, and Slaves: Women in Classical Antiquity Book Review.

Rachel De Leon History 111: World History to 1500 April 16, 2024.

As one begins to dive into the fascinating history of ancient Greece, it is possible to be amazed by the remarkable achievements of men in fields such as politics, military, and philosophy. However, what about the women of ancient Greece? Despite playing vital roles in their society, from managing households to participating in religious traditions, women's contributions have been largely relegated to the sidelines of history. It is time to shine a light on these unacknowledged heroes and explore the many fascinating ways women shaped ancient Greek society. This novel by Sarah B. Pomeroy

Throughout history, many Gods have always been seen as superior in all aspects, making Goddesses fall behind them. The book Goddesses, Whores, Wives, and Slaves tells how godly female figures in mythology play a pivotal role in shaping societal attitudes towards women. Pomeroy notes, “The goddesses are archetypal images of human females, as envisioned by males” (Pomeroy 1975, 8). Pomeroy examines the portrayal and significance of Goddesses in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, unraveling their all-around roles, symbolism, and cultural importance. The author highlights how Goddesses were admired, worshipped, and mythologized in the ancient world. She analyzes the myths and narratives surrounding prominent goddesses such as Athena, who “is the archetype of the masculine women who finds success in what is essentially a man’s world by denying her own femininity and sexuality” (4). Not only this, but other Goddesses

She discusses the ethical and cultural messages embedded within myths involving goddesses, highlighting their relevance to gender norms, social expectations, and the construction of female identity (9). Therefore, emphasizing not only the male roles of Gods but also the female role of Goddesses contributes significantly to the foundation of how Greek and Roman culture defines its views and morals. Shifting from Gods and Goddesses, Pomeroy continues her thesis on the topic of Women and the city of Athens. The author offers a breakdown of the various roles and responsibilities assigned to women within one of the most influential city-states of ancient Greece, the Athenian society. The Athenian lawgiver, Solon, had a tremendous amount of influence over the lives of Athenian women and, “institutionalized the distinction between good women and whores” (Pomery 1975, 57). By examining the legal and social status of women in Athens, the restrictions and limitations set upon them by laws and customs are highlighted. It then examines how women's roles within the family and