Greek Heroines: Fictional Revolutionists
Adharsh Ranganathan
2/25/13
Period 3
Odyssey Essay
Greek Heroines: Fictional Revolutionists
A Greek Hero is identified for his proficiency on the battleground and omnipotent personal qualities. The noble achievements of Ancient Greek heroes are even celebrated through tales articulated by bards and highborn individuals. From the shadows of male dominance rises a female equivalent, the Greek Heroine. Unlike heroes, heroines are characterized by qualities including wisdom, helpfulness, and independence. These inimitable female characters transcend Ancient Greek gender standards, at times completely exiting the bounds of societal expectations. The animation of Greek Heroines reflects the modern and contemporary philosophy present in Homer’s legendary epics, which reveals his influence in establishing a progressive Greek society. Therefore, heroines such as Helen, Nausicaa, Clytemnestra, and Penelope are fictional revolutionists whose personas sculpted modern humanity. The infamous Helen of Troy is portrayed as a divine and philosophical mistress apart from her renowned physical beauty. The notable aptitude of Helen is evident when she recognizes “this young man is like Telemachus, whom Odysseus left as a baby behind him” (4. 42.3-4). Helen is infamous for her beauty, and her ability to recognize the resemblance of Telemachus denotes her intellectual qualities. Also, Helen “alone recognized [Odysseus] and began to question him” when the master tactician infiltrated the Trojan base while disguised as a beggar (4. 44. 14-15). Helen’s remarkable attention to detail evidences how she was proficient of recognizing both Telemachus and Odysseus while surpassing the laggard reactions of a male majority. The divine mistress is capable of deciphering the covert disguise of the master tactician himself. Such aptitude elevates Helen to a position of equivalence with Odysseus and other accomplished heroes. Correspondingly, Helen combines “the wine with an herb
2/25/13
Period 3
Odyssey Essay
Greek Heroines: Fictional Revolutionists
A Greek Hero is identified for his proficiency on the battleground and omnipotent personal qualities. The noble achievements of Ancient Greek heroes are even celebrated through tales articulated by bards and highborn individuals. From the shadows of male dominance rises a female equivalent, the Greek Heroine. Unlike heroes, heroines are characterized by qualities including wisdom, helpfulness, and independence. These inimitable female characters transcend Ancient Greek gender standards, at times completely exiting the bounds of societal expectations. The animation of Greek Heroines reflects the modern and contemporary philosophy present in Homer’s legendary epics, which reveals his influence in establishing a progressive Greek society. Therefore, heroines such as Helen, Nausicaa, Clytemnestra, and Penelope are fictional revolutionists whose personas sculpted modern humanity. The infamous Helen of Troy is portrayed as a divine and philosophical mistress apart from her renowned physical beauty. The notable aptitude of Helen is evident when she recognizes “this young man is like Telemachus, whom Odysseus left as a baby behind him” (4. 42.3-4). Helen is infamous for her beauty, and her ability to recognize the resemblance of Telemachus denotes her intellectual qualities. Also, Helen “alone recognized [Odysseus] and began to question him” when the master tactician infiltrated the Trojan base while disguised as a beggar (4. 44. 14-15). Helen’s remarkable attention to detail evidences how she was proficient of recognizing both Telemachus and Odysseus while surpassing the laggard reactions of a male majority. The divine mistress is capable of deciphering the covert disguise of the master tactician himself. Such aptitude elevates Helen to a position of equivalence with Odysseus and other accomplished heroes. Correspondingly, Helen combines “the wine with an herb