How does the statement made by Foley hold true? Before one can assess the argument of “real” women versus “literary” women of Ancient Greece, it is crucial to know their place in Greek culture.

Women in Ancient Greece were believed to have strong emotions with weak minds. Thus, they were given a kyrio, or guardian, to protect them from not only damaging themselves but from others as well. This guardian, the closest male birth relative or when applicable, husband, controlled most of her life, as her citizenship entitled her only to the possibility of marriage and to her husband’s religious associations. While having the ability to own her own clothing, jewelry, and slave, as well as to procure other inexpensive items, she was forbidden t

In Medea, the protagonist of the same name exhibits many qualities that violate Greek culture. For example, she is a barbarian. That is to say, Medea is not Greek. She is from another civilization viewed inferior to that of Greec. Also, after she has been divorced by her husband, Jason, her moaning and depression reflects the beliefs of having strong emotions, but her mind is anything but weak. “Oh, oh! What misery, what wretchedness!/ What shall I do? If only I were dead!”(Medea lines 96-97) she had said to her Nurse. This a perfect line to support her hidden agenda, as she would later say in solitude about Jason- “It may be-/ And God uphold my words – that this your marriage-day/ Will end with marriage lost, loathing and horror left For it is that very mind that compiles the infamous plot of vengeance recognized by all who study Ancient Greek literature.

himself reassures numerous times he should not trust-“Your words are gentle; but my blood runs cold to think what plots you may be nursing deep within your heart”(lines 315-317). Even though she makes the argument that he has children of his own, would a king take a chance like this? Would he risk the life of his new son-in-law? Taking all into consideration, a king would never take risk that could put his family in jeopardy. Though this issue may never be resolved, as it is only a story, Medea would use this day to construct a demonic plan of murder and deceit to make Jason suffer.

While not going as far to exhibit women as triumphant murders, Plato demonstrated his ideas for women to play a greater role in Greek society. For in The Republic, Plato projects women as being able to vote and as having authoritative positions such as judges and priests. In an excerpt from Plato’s The Republic

entitled “The Equality of Women in the State” Plato’s character Socrates argues the idea of woman as Guardians (Guardians- characterized as superior intellectuals, which ruled the State) against Glaucon’s apparent disagreement.

The reason for Medea’s emotional landslide is simple. Jason has left her for the daughter of Creon, the King of Corinth, in an attempt to gain a better foot in royalty. Creon, who fears Medea will seek revenge on Jason, nearly banishes her and their children from Corinth. However, using her sly wit and cunning, she exhibits numerous pleas to Creon so as to escape exile: “I kneel to you, I beseech you by the young bride,

Some topics in this essay:
King Corinth, Ancient Greece, Women” Plato’s, Concluding Plato, Republic Schneider, Republic Glaucon, Guardians Guardians-, Medea Greek, Jason Medea, Golden Fleece, ancient greece, women play, greek literature, held common, fashion bore little, lives actual, greek society, ideas women, strong emotions, husband jason, greek culture, women ancient greece, little resemblance lives, resemblance lives actual, creon king corinth,