It lurks in society and is present everywhere: from our everyday lives to professional workplaces. It is so threatening, yet we not only ignore, but reject that it is an underlying and fundamental problem in society today. It has existed for so long, that many, including the victims, are almost oblivious of it, almost certain that it does not even exist anymore. What could possibly be this detrimental problem that society faces today? What could possibly have existed for eons yet still be seen as irreparable? And most importantly, what could possibly claim half of the world’s population as its victims? Ani DiFranco, an American singer, once said, “Patriarchy is like the elephant in the room that we don't talk about, but how could it not affect …show more content…
Patriarchy plays a major role in The Odyssey and victimizes several characters. The ancient Greek epic poem, by Homer, is about the journey of the Greek hero Odysseus to his homeland of Ithaca. During his 20-year struggle to return back home, he encounters many obstacles, including Poseidon who creates a deadly sea storm to punish Odysseus, women who hold him captive for a chance to win his love, and man-eating giants who kill many of his men. Despite all of these unfortunate events, he manages to make it back home to reunite with Penelope and the rest of his …show more content…
Although both women use psychological manipulation to control Odysseus, Calypso takes a more egocentric controlling route doing everything she can to prevent Odysseus from thinking about going back home: “‘So you want to go home at once? Well, I wish you luck all the same. If you knew what troubles you will have before you get to Ithaca, you would stay where you are and keep this house with me, and be immortal…’” (Homer 66). On the other hand, Circe manipulates Odysseus by using flattery resulting in him living with her for an entire year: “‘No more lamentations now, Odysseus! I know myself how many hardships you have suffered on the seas, and how many cruel enemies have attacked you on land. Now then, eat your food and drink your wine until you become as gay as when you first left your rugged home in Ithaca’... ‘We took her advice; and there we remained for a whole year, with plenty to eat and good wine to drink’” (Homer 121). Although both goddesses manipulated Odysseus to convince him to not leave, they did so in different manners which ultimately failed either way proving that no matter what power the goddesses use to control Odysseus, there is no escaping the fact that patriarchy is ingrained into society and thus, the man will always get his way. It is also crucial to note that Calypso and Circe are