Role of Women in Hesiod’s Theogony and Works and Days

14040833 Price Mythology 1060 17 February 2013 Role of Women in Hesiod’s Theogony and Works and Days In most Greek mythology there is a general hostility towards the female sex, which relays that most poets and writers themselves were sexist. Throughout Hesiod’s Theogony and Works and Days, women are portrayed in a very subservient manner, placing them far below men and are almost despised. However, in more than one instance, manipulation, women’s true power, is shown. They are constantly described as beautiful temptresses, which could be thought of as the weakness of many men. When Theogony and Works and Days are looked at as a whole it is obvious that Hesiod’s opinion of women, most likely shared by the Greeks themselves, is†¦show more content†¦The mere creation of women on earth was a punishment to man because of the devious Prometheus’ decision to steal fire and give it to mankind. As Hesiod describes it, â€Å"That’s just how Zeus, the high lord of thunder, made women as a curse for mortal men, Evil conspirators (148).† This alone sends the message that Hesiod believed women to be evil. She is created as a beautiful temptress, just as many of the goddesses are described. They areShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Women in Hesiods Theogony and Works and Days Essay738 Words   |  3 PagesThe role of women in Hesiods Theogony and Works and Days is outstandingly subordinate. There are a number of times in Hesiods text that despises women, being mortal, immortal, or flesh-eating monsters. The overall impression of women from Theogony and Works and Days, leads one to believe that Hesiod is a misogynist. 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