Antigone Essay Research Paper In the play 2

about the first woman, Pandora, explained the supposed evil nature of

women. In revenge of Prometheus giving fire to man, Zeus sent

Pandora. When they took the gift of Pandora, they brought out evil.

There were different versions of this myth. In a better version

Pandora was curious. She opened a jar unaware she would release evil

into the world. Slightly improving the image of women, yet Pandora

is conclusively responsible for evil. (Kishlansky 54) Creon explained

to his son, “To all one’s enemies. Do not be fooled, my son, By lust

and the wiles of women.” (Beatty 70)

It’s evident many men believed they were superior to women.

Creon refused to lose a battle to a woman. “And will never betray

it-least of all for a woman. Better be beaten, if needed, by a man,

Than let a woman get the better of us.” (Beatty 71) Whatever the

battle was men did not want to be beat by women. Only men were

allowed to participate and attend the Olympic games. Women were made

separate games to attend. These separate games were dedicated to

Hera, Zeus’s wife. These games were attended by unmarried women.

The women were allowed to compete in footraces on short tracks. They

wore tunics, while the men competed naked. Women who won the races

did not receive the same honors as men. Men received public honors

and a lifetime supply of food, paid for by the public. (Kishlansky

53)

It seemed as though all men did not believe women had rights.

There were some men who did believe women were more than housewives

and bearers of children. Haemon states “Nor wish to be clever enough

to prove you wrong, Though all men might not think the same as you

do.” (Beatty 71) In a Euripide tragedy a women described her place in

society. “We women are the most unfortunate creatures. . . child.”

(Kishlansky 76) In many other plays the main characters were women.

This may suggest women played a more profound role in society than

portrayed by law.(Kagan 53)

Even some of the wisest men were blinded to the rights of

women. When Socrates was sentenced to death he had sent the women

away. After he swallowed poison many of the male watchers began

crying. “Really my friends, what a way to behave! Why, that was my

main reason for sending away the women, to prevent this sort of

disturbance;” (Spielvogel 96) Creon agreed that women lacked control

of their emotions “Despicable coward! No more will than a woman!”

(Beatty 72)

The women of ancient Greek times suffered many hardships. They

were only considered citizens for the sake of marriage and other

duties to help men. They were considered evil and better off

invisible. There were a few supporters of women. In many plays

women were depicted as strong willed people. This leaves the

likelihood that women were perceived as more than servers. It

astonishes me to see some of these traditional views are still held,

but luckily by a very small population.