Archetypes of Ancient Literature

Paper Summary:

This is an in-depth research paper that explores the gender role of women in ancient literature. The works that it covers include "The Old Testament", "Medea", the "Odyssey", "Antigone", "Lysistrata", and "Hamlet". Explains how the portrayal of women differs over time and in each area.

From the Paper:

"Throughout history women have taken on many roles. There is that of the virgin, the goddess, the mother, and the hero. Unfortunately, while they took on functions in ancient literature, their position in the world during the same time was much more limited. While in such works as The Old Testament and Shakespeare's Hamlet, women are portrayed exactly how they existed in society as a mere and lowly companion for men, other works in ancient literature bring forth strong female archetypes. Although even these strong characters are somehow made inferior to their male counterpart, they still revolutionized the way that theatre and literature viewed women."

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