Women in Ancient Literature: Portraits and Perceptions
Literary Characters vs. Reality:
Analysis of Literary Characters: Focus on key female figures such as Helen of Troy, Medea, and Hecuba, and their influence on the portrayal of women in ancient literature.
Comparison with Real-Life Conditions: How do these characters reflect or differ from the actual status of women in ancient Greek and Roman societies?
Archetypes and Their Significance:
Heroine vs. Antagonist: Examining how these roles influence the perception of women and which archetypes (e.g., the loyal wife, the deceitful seductress) dominate the literature.
Impact of Myths: How do mythical female figures like Aphrodite or Athena influence literary creations and expectations towards women?
Themes and Motifs:
Motifs of Vengeance and Justice: Analysis of how motifs related to vengeance and justice are represented by female characters, such as Electra or Medea.
Love and Sacrifice: Considering how these themes are explored in the context of female characters, for instance in the works of Sophocles or Euripides.
Narrative and Stylistic Aspects:
Narrative Perspective: Investigating whether and how the female perspective is represented in ancient literature through direct narration or monologues.
Style and Form of Expression: Analyzing how the speech and actions of women are portrayed in literature and what this says about their societal role.
Cultural and Historical Context:
Evolution of Female Characters: Tracking how portraits of women have evolved from the early works of Homer to later Roman literature.
Socio-Political Impact: Understanding how changes in society influenced the literary representations of women, such as during the transition from the republic to the empire in Rome.
Reception and Modern Interpretations:
Feminist and Modern Interpretations: Reviewing how contemporary approaches to gender and equality affect the reinterpretation and evaluation of female characters in ancient literature.
Adaptations and Cultural Impact: Examining how female characters from antiquity are adapted and reinterpreted in modern media and literature.
