Role of Men and Women in Ancient Greece vs. The Family: a Proclamation to the World

Using specific examples from the literature, compare the roles of women and men in ancient Greece to the roles outlined in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. 

How are they similar? How are they different? What is the effect on society as a whole when there is conflict between the genders?

Throughout the centuries, gender roles have been a critical factor to understanding the society and the way people lived. The Athenian times was no exception to this. Through the various Greek mythology books and works, we are able to get an understanding of how men and women were treated differently in contrast to the beliefs we share with today as members of the church. 

In the Family of Proclamation it states that “Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” Even though men and women, husband and wife, have different responsibilities but they are considered equal. “Each individual” is equally loved, cherished, valued by the deity. The Deity or more specifically God has always been the central point of our beliefs, and being able to be HIS sons and daughters shows how we see male and female on the same level - which indicates equal opportunities, equal rights, and free agency. It shows that each person is important - what they were, what they had, what they could offer - no matter if we are a son or a daughter. 

In contrast, in Homer’s Illiad women were considered as “prized possessions”. Chryseis and Briseis were given to Agamemnon and Achilles as presents for winning the war. As a result of Agamemnon having to return Chrysalis back he demands for Achilles’ prize. Women were seen as something that they could give, take and even exchange. If one didn’t have any, then they would want a replacement for it. They were not treated as someone who had a voice, who could make a choice - not like a daughter of God with their own individual divine nature or “eternal destiny” (from the Family Proclamation). They were not cherished individually for who they are but seen as something for enjoyment and a representation of men’s honor. The women themselves weren't important it was the fact that the women were alluded the connotation of  winning, success, fame, strong which is why they valued it. Agamemnon didn’t seem to care if he got Chrysalis or Briseis as long as he had one.

Although the Illiad portrayed females in a bad light, Homer portrays women differently in his other book - the Odyssey. When Odysseus goes to the underworld, he was able to visit the people that had passed away. He allowed each spirit to drink of the blood to talk with him. Homer includes the names of each individual - many of whom were women. Having their names included in the texts shows how women had an identity. He recognized them as a unique person. Unlike the Illiad, the women were able to share their personal experiences and struggles. Having Odysseus listen to their stories showed that he did regard them as separate individuals. To some degree, it shows that women did have some sort of value during the Athenian times - not completely but they were recognized as an independent person with a part to play.

The relationship and the interaction between Odysseus and his wife, Penelope, is another evidence of respect to women. However, more importantly than that it portrays the idea of a working relationships where both men and women need to fulfill their individual responsibilities. Women are needed just as much as men and although they have different roles but both are regarded just as highly. One such example is Odysseus’ refusal to stay with the beautiful nymph in exchange for the gift of eternal life. Despite all the glory and honor behind it, Odysseus rejects all this and sets back on his long journey to return home to Penelope (his wife). Not knowing when he could go back and knowing that he would still face challenges in the future would be he still chose Penelope. The gift Odysseus was given was something that only the Gods had and the Gods were highly regarded at that time. Honor and glory came with it, but Odysseus refuses it all. On Penelope’s side she refuses to marry any suitors even though her husband has not been back for 20 years. Not knowing when he would be back she still rejects every single of them. This strong relationship between the two shows not only love for one another, but represents mutual trust, mutual respect and love. It is a relationship that can only be nurtured through equality, love and the understanding that they were both equal. Their relationships reflects the teaching of the Family Proclamation, it states that “HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.”

The theme of love really allows a glimpse of how both are equal entities and both are critical to establishing a successful marriage and life. 

In addition, the Odyssey illustrates the roles men and women have as a father and wife. Fathers are responsible for protecting the family - in which Odysseus goes to war to fight and he comes back to fight off all the suitors that have been taking advantage of their hospitality. Penelope fulfills the role of the mother as being the dutiful wife who raises their son alone. Both are completing the duties that God has commanded all of us to fulfill as mothers and fathers. Each have our own distinct responsibility but nonetheless both are regarded as equal beings essential for a home to be established. Here, the roles of men and women mirrors the values that we still continue to follow today and what the prophets continue to remind us of.

The roles of Men and women are very important because it does affect how society was seen. We can see this especially through the Illiad with Agamemnon’s choices. In consequence of Agamemnon’s childish desires of refusing to give up his prize, it resulted in a plague among his people. Because he wanted a prize the resulted in near destruction and turmoil. He even had a falling out with Achilles causing Achilles to step down and not fight. Conflicting gender roles can cause much confusion, anger, great separation between society. 

However, for Odysseus, as a result of mutual love and respect, in accordance to the Family Proclamation , it resulted in a happy reunion, and peace was restored back to the household. In many ways Odysseus’ household is a microcosm of society - evidence that when everyone understands their roles, when they fulfill their roles and when it is motivated out of love,  appreciation, consideration - unity is brought back. 

There is clear evidence through the comparisons between both books the effect it has on society as a whole. Gender roles really do play a huge part in so many of our lives. The Greek’s idea of the responsibilities between men and women were not far off when it came to the Odyssey however the Illiad showed the complete opposite. Written but the same author, but with conflicting ideas - it may have demonstrated the condition of Greek ideas of gender roles - that it was still evolving and changing. Women still struggled with not finding equality and still trying to find a voice. There was an ongoing struggle between how women should be treated. In contrast, to the Family Proclamation it is all clearly outlined exactly our individual responsibilities, our identity and the regard to equality between the two. We are very blessed to have it today to understand our path and how we should live our lives. The Greeks never had that but God today has revealed this to us so that we don’t have to question anything because we understand who we are and how important we are .