Male-Female Dynamics in Greek Literature

Paper Summary:

The parallel gained by a closer study of the characters, Hector and Oedipus, shows both comparisons and contrasts that can be drawn. Both couples in these works by ancient Greek authors Sophocles and Homer show not only bittersweet pictures of the loving tragic family, but also show the differing emotions and reactions that an average person goes through during a personal crisis. The paper notes that, just as one can clearly see the depth of their relationships, one can clearly see the progression of the emotions in play. The depth, dynamics, and reactions of each relationship bring them to life and show not only the insight the writers had into human nature, but also the quality that these works have that makes them a part of our modern literature.

From the Paper:

"Another prominent similarity between the two couples is their outstanding family life. With Hector and Andromache, their scene with Astyanax is perhaps the most well-known and emotional scene of The Iliad. As Andromache and Hector meet on the Trojan precipice, they speak of their love and concern for each other and then play with their son. As the exchange between the three proceeds with laughter and love, we see the playtime with Astyanax as, "Then taking up his dear son he tossed him about in his arms, and kissed him, and lifted his voice in prayer to Zeus...:...grant this boy, who is my son, may be as I am...great in strength...and delight the heart if his mother," (91). We see not only the joy they share embodied in the boy, but Troy's hope for a future. The affectionate family dynamic, either atypical of ancient fathers or at least not written into much literature, is also seen with Oedipus and Jocasta's home life, though the audience may shudder."

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• Term Paper # 120619 : "Male/Female Promotions"

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