Odysseus’
lengthy journey and the various subplots that come together in The Odyssey are often characterized by
the occurrence of trickery. Such deception, however, carries a different
connotation based on the circumstances that elicit it and, more importantly,
the gender of the trickster. While men engaging in deceit are often painted as
strong, clever or resourceful, women do not receive the same positive
recognition. With few exceptions, females who beguile generally carry sinister,
lustful or even (in the case of Klytemnestra) murderous intentions.
When the epic’s namesake uses
trickery to pull off a victory in the Trojan War, he is lauded as a hero.
Likewise, when he blinds the Cyclops Polyphemos and escapes the cave with his
crew, Odysseus is praised as a quick-on-his-feet leader, far more ingenious
than any of his men. Women who deceive fail to garner the same honorable
recognition. Circe presents herself as a generous and hospitable hostess, only
to drug Odysseus’ men with the food she prepares, turning them all in to pigs.
The witch’s actions serve as an obstacle for Odysseus, a prime example of a
woman serving to undermine ethical conduct through trickery. Helen too engages
in manipulative activities when she drugs Telemachus’ crew. Her deceptive behavior
is further revealed when her ill-intentioned role in the Trojan War nearly
exposes Odysseus and his men. Such anecdotes serve to illustrate the double
standard that exists between men who engage in trickery and women who do the
same.
That considered, not all women who
deceive share the same negative light as women like Circe and Helen. Athena
frequently assumes the physical features of simple townspeople to manipulate
others in to assisting Odysseus. Rather than being perceived as deceptive and
unjust, Athena is very much the “quiet hero” in the epic. Penelope as well
tricks the persistent suitors when she unravels her loom each night. Rather
than undermining honor, this trickery actually upholds her honor and loyalty to
her husband.
I thought that your analysis was really sound and I liked that you looked at both male and female tricksters. Your point about Odysseus tricking Polyphemos makes me think about how the success and praise of his tricking the cyclops led to his ultimate downfall.
ReplyDeleteYour blog made me think about how both immortal women and mortal women are subject to the same negative association with trickery, despite their obvious difference in status. It seems like no woman, besides Athena, is going to be able to play a positively perceived trick, even if she is a goddess. Which is odd because aren't they supposed to be the reliable, mature ones?
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