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Author Archives: Michelle Smoot
Posts: 4 (archived below)
Comments: 1
Medea: The wrath of a woman scorned
If there has to be one women of all time who refused to accept the role placed on her by society that would have to be Medea. Her character has many layers, a vengeful and evil woman on one end and a weak heartbroken girl on the other. While still a symbol of barbaric strength she has an undeniable wit often not assumed by ancient women. Love always seems to be a modern conception when you think of the role of women in ancient times. However it seems to be obvious that Medea loves Jason because Euripides provides no other reason for Medea’s intensity. Jason wronged her but it was not simply the act of remarrying that wronged her. She was left out of the loop and her previous sacrifices ignored. Perhaps modern woman can draw from Medea’s strength in standing up for herself and channel that power into their lives. While history may not see Medea as a symbol of femininity (because she goes against social norms) there is something distinct and womanly about her actions. She seems to feel more than most of the characters in ancient tales who seek violence to gain power. While at the same time destroys bonds that even today define womanhood. Killing her father, brother, and sons is a clear statement that Medea was not a GREEK and therefore the story does not give her such honor. Much has to be said for that because maybe the reason Medea isn’t a hero lies in her gender.[kml_flashembed movie="" width="400" height="400" wmode="transparent" /]
Posted in Medea
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Beowulf: A call for a hero……but what does he really solve?
Violence only brings more violence. Men took pride in slaughtering other men in a ridiculous cycle that has no end. Beowulf lay directly in the middle of such a battle with his father’s murder of another warrior. To end the feud King Hrothgar paid the death price. Whether Beowulf came to destroy Grendel simply for honor or repayment isn’t clear. The only thing that is clear that even by Beowulf’s brave efforts of slaying Grendel and her mother there is no happily ever after. Beowulf’s tale is immortalized and he is sprung into profound glory but even after forty years of triumph, war returns to him. There is no solace for Beowulf and continuing to be a man of honor carries him to his death with the slaying of the dragon. The Great Beowulf is defeated. His kingdom, honor, and people no longer have his protection. Tales like these gloried men but Beowulf is no hero just a murderer with a popular cause.[kml_flashembed movie="
HISTORY'S Clash of the Gods: Beowulf - SNEAK PEEK!
Uploaded by HistoryChannel. - Watch feature films and entire TV shows." width="300" height="300" wmode="transparent" /]
Ramayana
Rama and Sita
The Ramayana was unlike all the text in the great works class because of its religious significance. To truly understand it, one most first understand Hinduism and the purpose of the story as it fits into that context. The religion is not as organically unified as the name suggests and is rather different depending on region in India. It is very hierarchical giving each follower a place or caste. But like most religions the religious text crucial to following its laws were privatized to certain groups. Vedas were only read by priest and the Upanishads were delegated for the elite. Hindu knowledge meant for the people were made in the form of epics. These epics were easy to follow, remember, and recite.
With that in mind, it is easy to understand why Rama is painted so heroically in the story. He is Hinduism reversion of Jesus Christ, literally meaning the perfect man. While he obeys all orders set by his father and defends and rejects the virtue of his wife an ideal standard is set. Sita staying by her husband against all odds even in his mistrust is the most whimsical rendition of unconditional love. Rama is a manifestation of the god Vishnu and Sita of the goddess Lakshmi while on earth they are still divine. This fact justifies both characters making this epic not just a literary tale but a recount of the Gods themselves.
Posted in Ramayana
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Beauty: A femimine ideal but should it really be desired?
One of the most famous women in literature, Helen of Troy has been integrated from Greco Roman tradition to Anglo-Saxon culture. Although she “existed” (it’s a myth after all) thousands of years ago she is still a modern symbol representative of womanhood. The notion of a young woman being abducted by a charming prince is not a plea for woman’s rights and their subservient status in history but a tale of treachery. Helen’s undoubting beauty seems to be her only blessing because her self loath is enormous. While there is uncertainty in whether she wanted to go to Troy the Iliad doesn’t paint the picture of her having any choice. She was a prize to Paris and countless times she expresses her yearning to be back in her home in Sparta. The Trojan War and its years of suffering were placed on her and the only person offering her reprise for this burden was Priam. Helen throughout the story does not place this burden on Paris or even the Gods but as herself, a whore. Her beauty was powerful enough to start a war against men and slaughter thousands but not powerful enough to give Helen strength. Out of all the blood and power thirsty men and petty Gods, Helen the center of it all diminishes and disappears to the back. Helen is just the first of many tales of the weakness and deceit that feminine beauty can bring and that image is repeated over and over in history. So with this in mind, why is beauty still so desirable?
Helen and her glory
Posted in The Illiad
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