Since the beginning of human civilization, women have often occupied inferior roles in society while the dominant role has been played by men. In Homer's Odyssey gender roles in Greek society are emphasized by showing how men controlled society while women were undervalued and constantly disrespected. Although it can be argued that Homer affirms some rather feminist views, it is evident from several elements that The Odyssey is a misogynistic text. First, women in the Odyssey were continually oppressed by men who never had true agency. Furthermore, women were depicted as symbols of lust, seduction, and evil that bring destruction to men, undermining women's true values. Furthermore, women were expected to remain faithful to men while men have no expectations for themselves, which promotes gender inequality. Exemplified by these three elements, it is evident that The Odyssey is a misogynistic text that describes a society in which women occupy subservient and inferior positions. The Odyssey exemplifies a society organized and controlled by men in which males consistently treated women unequally while depriving them of true freedom. Homer's male characters often viewed women as second-hand citizens who had no real voice in society. An example of a woman oppressed by men in the text is Penelope, Odysseus' wife. Although Penelope is queen of Ithaca, her power in the kingdom is limited. His life is controlled by his son Telemachus and by the Achaean pretenders who have been taking advantage of the kingdom for several years. At a certain point in the text Telemachus says to his mother “Words are for men, for everyone, especially for me; for the power within this house rests here” (Homer, 7). This shows how the men saw themselves as the ones who had power over society while they... middle of paper... tested Odysseus to make sure it was him because "she feared that some man might come and cheat her." ] with his tale” (Homer, 226) showing how loyal he truly is to Odysseus. Although Odysseus was unfaithful, there are no consequences for his actions because he is a man, but for those women who were unfaithful one could see how they are punished by men. In the case of Odysseus' maids they were "unworthy" because they lay with the suitors and as punishment Telemachus says that "no honorable death [their lives will be taken]" (Homer, 220). The difference in expectations between men and women when it comes to loyalty promotes gender inequality which makes the Odyssey's views on society rather misogynistic. Homer supported the dominant beliefs of his time regarding women by treating female characters unequally and differently than male ones. characters from the Odyssey