an, a slave/ Im to do what Im told/ whatever they decide/ Who once wore silk, who shared the royal bed (p34)? Of course, the most famous example of a Greek woman being treated as property is Helen. Although Helen was already married, she was given to Paris as a gift, as a form of bribery. Paris stole her from Menelaus because she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and in turn the entire Trojan War began.The Trojan War was devastating to the wives of soldiers, because it left many women alone, without a man to serve and depend upon. Early in the war, Andromaches plea to convince Hector to fight from the walls of Troy illustrates her total loyalty and submission to her husband. In a passage in Book 6 of The Iliad, we learn of her love and obedience to Hector. and it would be better for me/ to sink into the earth. When I lose you, Hector/ There will be nothing left, no one to turn to/ Only pain. My father and mother are dead (p124). Andromache is saying I am nothing without my husband, which was the common basis for which Greek women to think of themselves.Andromache is the epitome of what the perfect woman of ancient times was expected to be. She had no profession (as was the norm at the time), and devoted herself to staying at home and keeping up the household. She knew her role as a woman and played it well, as she explains in Women of Troy: I was Hectors wife. I kept my place, did my duty, stayed indoors as women should. No loose talk, no market chatter. All I knew I learned from my own quiet thoughts, at home. When Hector spoke, I listened. Downcast eyes (p41). Indeed, women in ancient times were expected to serve their husbands quietly, keeping their thoughts and opinions to themselves. In the book of Esther, Queen Vashti was dethroned and banished for failing to obey and serve her husband King Ahasuerus. The King and his officials felt that she was being not only disrespectful to the King, but also settin...
