Okay, I'm back. :) This is long, sorry!
Here is the prompt:
Explore the role of women in Archaic Greek society as presented in the literature examined in class. **You might consider how women were viewed relative to men, how they interacted with men, how women related to politics, how they related to each other socially, what behavior was expected of them, views of motherhood, views of wives and daughters, whether men and women viewed marriage similarly. Your paper should synthesize analyses of at least two works (I'm using Homer's Iliad and Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days) but should NOT be comparative. Your primary objective is to explain a CULTURAL PHENOMENON that is reflected in more than one work, NOT primarily to explain how to two works resemble or differ from each other. Explore one topic and develop a specific argument that you prove with analysis.
I've done a lot of notes on momen as they are represented in those books, as well as how women were viewed and treated in Archaic Greece. So, I was thinking I would write it on views of wives and daughters, and possibly add to that what behavior was expected of them.
But I don't know how to word those concepts into an arguable thesis.
The main gist of my paper will be something like this:
Hesiod presents women form a misogynistic view while Homer presents a more respectful/honored view of women. However, the overall view of women in the archaic age by the majority was of lesser status than males.
I'm not sure how to make that a solid arguable thesis though, or if that even makes sense as a thesis in relation to what I'm writing about. I've looked up thesis help and I have a copy of Hacker's guide right beside me that I've gone through. I'm still lost.
Any ideas?
Thank you in advance. :)
Women in Archaic life and literature were viewed as a necessary evil.
Opinions on this one?
I would not use "Archaic life" -- that has almost no meaning!
Use "fifth century (BC) Athens" instead -- and then focus on those authors you listed in you post the other day.
I've had to change my paper a bit, because my professor wants it firmly based in the archaic age, but not directed to a particular polis. From what I understand, I should have a central idea (e.g. women were seen as inferior) that is directly represented within the texts, then i back that up with examples and explications from the text.
i'm writing a draft now to see how it goes and if i can relate it all back to the thesis. It's difficult to present the common threads within the pieces without directly comparing.
again, thank you!
Developing a strong and arguable thesis statement is crucial to the success of your paper. Based on your prompt and the concepts you want to explore, here are a few possible thesis statements for your essay:
1. Through an analysis of Homer's Iliad and Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days, this paper argues that while Hesiod presents a misogynistic view of women, Homer's portrayal demonstrates a more nuanced and respectful treatment. Nonetheless, both works reflect the prevalent patriarchal perspective in Archaic Greek society, illustrating the overall lower status of women compared to men.
2. By examining the representation of wives and daughters in Homer's Iliad and Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days, this paper contends that Hesiod's work reflects a predominantly negative portrayal of women, while Homer's presentation highlights a more complex and multifaceted perspective. However, both authors ultimately depict women as subordinate to men, revealing the prevailing gender hierarchy in Archaic Greece.
3. This paper analyzes the contrasting views of women as wives and daughters in Homer's Iliad and Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days. While Hesiod's work portrays women as burdensome and devises a rigid set of expectations for their behavior, Homer's portrayal showcases a greater level of agency and importance for women within the familial and societal contexts. However, despite these differences, both works ultimately reinforce the subordinate position of women vis-à-vis men in Archaic Greek society.
To refine your thesis statement, consider the specific arguments and evidence you will use to support your claims. Make sure that your thesis encapsulates the central idea of your essay and highlights the cultural phenomenon (the role of women in Archaic Greek society) that is reflected in both works. Remember, your thesis should be arguable, focused, and provide a clear roadmap for the rest of your essay.