Discussion Seven: Ancient Greece and Feminism

Discussion Seven: Ancient Greece and
Feminism

True feminism, as we know it, was not really inaugurated until the twentieth century. It
was only then, in a favorably liberal political climate, that the argument for equal
treatment of women was made.
That is not to say, though, that historically, there have not been moments, in even the
most patriarchal societies, where we can glimpse moments of quasi-feminist insight.
Review the readings that I had you consult for the "Women in Ancient Greece" lecture,
and tell me whether you think there are any proto-feminist ideas or impulses contained
in any of them.
To develop the conversation further, keep in mind that one of the most integral aspects
of any definition of literature is that that it in some way encodes important social values.
Within these play excerpts and poems what social values do you see that are
transformed so that women are seen on equal footing as men?
Or, possibly, is there no feminist tendency here at all?

Discussion Eight: Theatricality
For this discussion, I would like to discuss the continuing influence of the contributions
of Ancient Greeks to the development of drama, and what continuing effects these
developments have had on our world today.
In my lecture on Ancient Greek Drama, I suggested specific types of machinery,
scenery, costuming, the physical theater, and the pit as innovations that the Greeks
invented that helped transform routine story-telling into drama. Which of these
developments do you think was the most important, and why? Which has the most
enduring impact?
Answer thoughtfully. We still tell stories that are not considered drama.  However,
drama is very much important to use today. Which of these innovations helped us to
use drama as the mans of expression that we use it as today?
Please write one original response to this prompt. Additionally, respond meaningfully to
at least one post from a classmate. Do not forget to follow the