Women In Ancient Greece Had Very Few Rights In Comparison

Women in ancient Greece had very few rights in comparison to male citizens. Women were unable to vote, own property, or inherit wealth. A woman’s place was in the home and her purpose in life was to rear children. Considering this limited role in society, we see a diverse cast of female characters in Greek mythology. We are presented with women that are powerful and warlike, or sexualized, submissive and emotionally unstable. In many myths, we encounter subversive behavior from women, suggesting, perhaps, the possibility of female empowerment. While produced in an ostensibly misogynistic and oppressive society, these myths consider the possibility for a collapse of male power and the patriarchal system. In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey,†¦show more content†¦I’ll never brace those men alone. I’d be too embarrassed† (18.207-210). Penelope remains faithful to her husband, even when his existence is doubted. She upholds the sanctity of marriage. She is ashamed to meet with her suitors and entertain the idea of selecting a new partner. Penelope wholeheartedly respects her marriage vows and her duty as woman and wife. Her loyalty is demonstrated further when she wishes death upon herself in order to escape her suffering: â€Å"Now if only blessed Artemis sent me a death as gentle, now, this instant – no more wasting away my life, my heart broken in longing for my husband† (18.229-232). Even after twenty years of suffering, Penelope continues to long for her lost husband. She would rather endure death than disrespect her marriage bed. Her unwavering love for and devotion to her husband represent the ideal wife. Penelope serves as the archetype for the â€Å"good† woman. While Penelope remains subservient in her domestic role as wife, she is also referred to as complementary to her husband, who is known for his intelligence and cunning. Penelope can be viewed as his intellectual equal when she deceives her suitors for three years by weaving and unweaving Lord Laertes’ shroud each day: â€Å"This was her latest masterpiece of guile: she set up a great loom in the royal halls and she began to weave, and the weaving fine-spun, the yarns endless, and she would lead us on: ‘Young men, my suitors, now thatShow MoreRelatedWomen : The Roles Of Women In Ancient Greece1560 Words   |  7 PagesWomen in ancient Greece still have an impact on us today. They were very similar to us women nowadays and at the same time very different. There wasn’t just one type of women in ancient Greece though. There were women who lived in Sparta, Athens, and many other city states, those are just the main city states. Each city state had different lifestyles and traditions, so women in one city state were different from another. Women in ancient Greece didn’t impact us in one way, they impacted us inRead MoreThe Religious And Social Differences Between Ancient Greece And Rome Essay1423 Words   |  6 PagesThe Religious and Social Differences between Ancient Greece and Rome In modern day, everyone tends to think of the Roman gods when they think of Greece, or when they think of the ancient gods in general. Juno versus Hera, Jupiter versus Zeus, and Mars versus Ares are some examples of their different and separate deities; not just their names, but their personalities as well. There are many differences between the two religions, as well as differences between each culture’s social standings. NotRead MoreThe Greek And Greek Culture1674 Words   |  7 Pagesamount of time in Egypt enough to give a very detailed description of Egypt’s Culture. Herodotus also went to a few other places and did the same thing, he really focused in on the Persian Wars. Greece defeated the persians, but Egypt did not which is a pretty interesting fact. In my essay I am going to try and find out how much different the Greek Culture is from the Egyptian. Values were important to people in both countries, just in a different form. In greece Gods play a huge role in the religiousRead MoreGreek Culture : The Greek Of The Mediterranean Sea And Between Italy And Turkey1178 Words   |  5 PagesGreek Culture Off the shore to the north of the Mediterranean sea and between Italy and Turkey there is a small country called Greece. This country touches the Aegean sea, the Sea of Crete and the Mediterranean sea. Long ago in Ancient greece it was a place filled with great poverty but was considered the foundation of western civilization. The Greek society was divided into four social classes that was all based on wealth. The wealthier a person was the higher in the classes they would riseRead MoreThe Epic Of Greek Women1539 Words   |  7 PagesGreek women, as depicted as in their history and literature, endure many hardships and struggle to establish a meaningful status in their society. In the Odyssey, Penelope’s only role in the epic is to support Odysseus and remain loyal to him. She is at home and struggles to keep her family intact while Odysseus is away trying to return to his native land. The cultural role of women is depicted as being supportive of man and nothing more. Yet what women in ancient Greece did long ago was by far moreRead MoreAthens †¦Democracy Realized?. . . Gregory R. Bowen. History1656 Words   |  7 PagesCivilizations II Feb 20, 2017 The Athenians’ of classical Greece are given credit for being the originators of the democratic model †¦giving inspiration to all future attempts at this system of government. While it was practiced as a direct democracy, with all eligible citizens having the right to vote, the question of just how democratic it really was, must be asked. Who was eligible to vote and participate in political life? What role did women, slaves, and foreigners play in Athens? How accessibleRead MoreThe Complete Persepolis By Marjane Satrapi1552 Words   |  7 Pagesand comparing it to issues faced by women during other periods of history. The title The Complete Persepolis is used to emphasize the radical differences in the rights of men and women in the modern world, more specifically modern Iran, by comparing the modern statues of women with the situation in the ancient Persian Empire. Religion is an important part of Marjane’s life; however it also highlights some of the most radical variations in the rights between women and men. The holy book of Islam, theRead MoreGender Roles In Lysistrata By Aristophanes1863 Words   |  8 Pagescomedy and how it would be viewed by citizens in ancient Greece. By incorporating satire and comedy, Aristophanes portrayed the social and political climate of the time. More specifically, Lysistrata, a play by Aristophanes, gives insight into the role women have in the Athenian society. The theme of gender roles in the play, Lysistrata, has evolved to parallel the social norm of feminism by women today. Lysistrata is a satirical comedy and portrays the women are at odds with man regarding several differentRead More Gender Roles in Medea by Euripides Essay1285 Words   |  6 Pagesenabled men and women to define gender roles in society. Although some critics declare gender roles do not exist today, others believe they do. In society, men and women are defined by gender roles throughout their activities and emotions. A doctor is typically portrayed by a male while women rear the children and cook for the men. However, although still in existence, today these roles are less obvious but tend to have similar meaning when compared to the past. In ancient Greece, women suffered greatRead MoreAncient Greece, Rome, And Persian Essay2093 Words   |  9 PagesCulture Comparison The civilizations that I decided to elaborate on are Greece, Rome, and Persian. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the similarities and differences of these civilizations. These civilizations will be analyzed in the area of their cultural, social, political, economic, diplomatic and military collating. Greece, Rome, and Persian are very distinctive and fascinating civilization. From the information I have learned through the semester will help me sharply juxtapose

Fat Burning Myths and Aerobics Free Essays

For the past twenty years, everyone followed fitness professionals, nutritionists, dieticians and aerobic instructors repeated recommendations to follow a low fat diet and attend aerobic classes twice a week. According to experts, low fat diets and aerobic exercise were the only effective way to lose weight. Rapid increase of qualified fitness professionals only accomplished teaching everyone endless ways of how not to lose weight, or which exercise habits do not work. We will write a custom essay sample on Fat Burning Myths and Aerobics or any similar topic only for you Order Now Professionals have yet to come up with resolutions that do burn fat. â€Å"It’s a Fact–Americans are getting fatter. Experts suggest that 75 percent of Americans will be overweight by 2015, and 41 percent of that group will be obese. Along with our burgeoning waistlines, the business of weight loss has become huge.† (Villarosa, 2007)   When aerobics for weight loss are encouraged by any professional, including medical doctors, it is assumed the only acceptable form of aerobics were organized classes through a qualified instructor. Although the only visible evidence aerobic classes and low fat diets trim waistlines are only words written on paper, people continue to be deceived into thinking they can purchase their ideal fitness levels. The market is flooded with a new fitness facility on every corner, a new diet, or new weight loss video created based on latest breakthrough research. New fitness programs based on the latest breakthrough research have been created for the past twenty five years with each new weight loss book, video or diet leading consumers farther from their fitness goals. With promises of weight loss, aerobic classes increased in popularity overnight. Falling short of the improved fitness promises, aerobic classes remain popular. The industry attract customers using fitness promises to sell their products. Knowledgeable professionals use their education to gain peoples trust. There are an abundance of fitness professionals to explain technical details of the human system, naming scientific names for every muscle in the body. Educating the public with all this physiological knowledge does not result in more fat burning during aerobic classes. When fitness programs fail to keep their promises, even with financial obligations, or the trial period to return the item has passed, the focus switches off fitness goals. Fitness myths continue because lies are always explained away. After realizing one hour aerobics class twice a week is hardly vigorous enough to shed a pound, dietary habits are blamed. After exposure of dietary myths, experts blame hereditary.   Popular fitness magazines write informative articles bringing newfound knowledge to customers explaining the cardio system and it relates to aerobics. The only people who will waste time reading article after article or listening to sales people’s lectures on human anatomy are the ones trying to tell someone the fitness advice is not delivering the promised results. People are told losing weight is beyond their capacity when there are no visible results from aerobic classes. With professional’s enthusiasm to educate every client on scientific details of fitness, basic commonsense diet and exercise understanding is forgotten. The intensity level involving any activity determines weight loss results. It is common knowledge that excess body weight is unused calories or unused energy. Repeated muscle contraction burns up energy. The faster and more frequent the muscular contractions, more energy is consumed, muscles become fitter, stronger and more efficient. Stronger, fitter muscles move easier, allowing more calorie consumption during everyday routine activities. â€Å"The energy required for muscle contraction comes from the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a substance that is present in the cells and is formed during cellular respiration.†(â€Å"Muscle,† 2007)   In simple terms, ATP is the scientific procedures explaining how vigorous exercise or repeated rapid muscle contraction burns stored body fat. Muscles, proteins, and engaged cells break down the stored energy the same way during aerobics, power walking, rollerblading, weight training, biking, mountain climbing, running stairs, or playing basketball. Analyzing the term aerobic can give someone the misconception long term endurance exercising is essential for weight loss. Aerobic relates to oxygen or air. An aerobically fit person understandably has a healthy respiratory system. Anaerobic is the opposite of aerobic, using maximum muscular strength. â€Å"Anaerobic endurance is a short-term, high intensity muscular effort–less than about two minutes; cardiovascular endurance involves muscular effort for a much longer duration.†(Brzycki, 1993)   For years, experts believed a person could not exercise the muscular system and the cardio system simultaneously without sustaining serious injury or building oversized muscles. â€Å"Keep in mind that compared to fat, muscle is very dense. Increase your muscle mass and your metabolism gets an automatic boost. Muscle weighs more than fat so it’s possible to build muscle mass and gain weight but appear smaller visually because you’ve decreased your overall fat percentage.† (Hanlon, 2007, p. 28) Adding weights to a cardio workout increases muscular contraction’s capacity, making the ATP breakdown more thorough. Aerobic classes, the most moderate walking program and even daily tasks such as shopping or house cleaning potentially engages higher percentage of working muscles adding ankle and wrist weights. â€Å"When you exercise, your muscles burn sugar, fat or protein in the presence of oxygen to produce energy. If you exercise so intensely that you become short of breath and your muscles can’t get enough oxygen, lactic acid accumulates in your muscles.   Lactic acid removes the chloride, so it is easier for potassium to get back inside cells. Therefore lactic acid increases the ratio of potassium inside cells to the amount outside, and this helps the muscle contract with more efficiency.† (â€Å"Study: Lactic Acid Not,† 2007, p. C10) Combining weight training with aerobic activity decreases the exerciser’s size. Cardio training can be fast weight lifting. Depending on gender, and as long as no supplements are used, the amount of weight during workout routines does not determine muscle size. People working towards a visually larger appearance lift weights very slowly, making sure to workout the muscles on the release. This is called working out the negative muscles. Either light weights or heavy weights used at a very slow speed will increase body size. Working out with heavy or light weights at aerobic pace utilizes fast twitch muscle fibers reducing body size. Anaerobic exercises or exercise strategies using fast-twitch muscle fibers are effective for fat burning. Experts never encourage vigorous exercise; it is up to the individual to experiment with effective fat burning exercises. The fitness industry, including fitness magazines, is designed for people who have very little or no previous knowledge of workouts. The term aerobic directly relating to the cardiovascular system is one of the reasons it was the only effective exercises resulting in fat loss.   High speed muscle contraction, the build up of lactic acid, the breakdown of ATP, burns up stored fat. Endurance or aerobic training takes a long time to get muscles to the point of exhaustion. Using muscles to their maximum cannot be taught in a one hour aerobic class because the weakest fitness levels must be considered when choreographing such exercise sessions. References Bourne, G. H. (Ed.). (1960). The Structure and Function of Muscle. New York: Academic Press. Retrieved March 2, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o;d=91183119 Brzycki, M. (1993). Strength Testing – Predicting a One-Rep Max from Reps-to-Fatigue. JOPERD–The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation Dance, 64(1), 88+. Retrieved March 2, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5002191543 Muscle. (2007). In The Columbia Encyclopedia (6th ed.). New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved March 2, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o;d=112875101 Adenosine Triphosphate. (2007). In The Columbia Encyclopedia (6th ed.). New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved March 2, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o;d=112842222 Hanlon, K. (2007, June). Health and Fitness: Strong . and Lean. Dance Magazine, 81, 28. Retrieved March 2, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o;d=5021239018 Study: Lactic Acid Not So Bad. (2007, May 20). The Washington Times, p. C10. Retrieved March 2, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o;d=5020836376 Villarosa, A. (2007, October). Fat vs. Fad: Demystifying Diet and Exercise Programs. Ebony, 62, 165+. Retrieved March 2, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o;d=5023144778 How to cite Fat Burning Myths and Aerobics, Essay examples

Blood Brothers free essay sample

Mrs Johnstone is portrayed as a stereotypical working class mother. In the introductory song, Russell uses Mrs Johnstone to create this stereotype. We got married at the Registry an then we had a do† Mentioning the Registry, Russell is trying to show that working class people are unable to fund a wedding in a church. Also, using the term do Russell is exemplifying the language that people of a working class background use, unlike somebody of upper class who would probably use the term wedding reception. However, Mrs Johnstone proves she is aspiring to be Upper Class when Russell uses her opinions of an upper class lifestyle. We all had curly salmon sandwiches. † Mrs Johnstone, like all stereotypical working class people thinks that salmon sandwiches make them look as if they were upper class. Also, the reference to the â€Å"curl† of the sandwiches implies that they have been made and were prepared much earlier, which once again conveys their social class. We will write a custom essay sample on Blood Brothers or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Also, on the wedding theme, â€Å"An’ how the ale did flow†, this shows how poorly these people’s expectations are. At a stereotypical wedding, people drink wine, or Champagne, but because of lack of money, and the rush to get married due to the pregnancy of Mrs Johnstone, the guests drink ale. Also, this suggests that all the friends at the wedding reception, or â€Å"do† are working class people. Another theme that emphasises how desperately poor the Johnstones are, is the theme of friendship and love, linked between Eddie, Mickey and Linda and how they are all friends, but it gradually brakes apart, Mickey and Lindas friendship develops into love, and Mickey and Eddies friendship firstly breaks up when Eddie is forced to move away by his parents, then again later in the play when Mickey becomes depressed he begins to become jealous of Eddie, again leading up to the tragic consequences. This jealousy is brought upon by class difference. Mickey has no money, therefore he is unable to care for his wife and child, therefore must turn to other ways of getting money, like turning to crime for example. Mickey participates in a crime with his elder brother Sammy, which leads to him being put in prison. During his sentence, he suffers from severe depression and turn to medication. When he returns home after years of imprisonment, he is faced with Linda trying to persuade him to stop taking the drugs. He becomes frustrated and angry with her pleading, which shows how weak and vulnerable people living in poverty are in such desperate conditions. He was imprisoned for helping his brother in a heist that would award him with ? 50. This is an excellent example of an effective contrast between the upper and working classes. ?50 is a very small sum of money, it just conveys how poor and desperate Mickey is, and also links with the friendship and love theme, but mainly, this is social class differences. Mickey’s determination to provide for his family is incredible; he will do ANYTHING to care for his family, and shows the reader just how similar different social classes are: they both want to care for their families. The audience clearly recognises how wealthy Edward’s family is, and that he does not have to worry about his needs, like the Johnstones. However, the Lyons’ might be well-off, but the question that arises with this family is; whether it is a family at all. At the beginning of the play, Mrs Johnstone gives one of her twins in order to keep her other children. Mrs Lyons uses her dominant role as an employer, and as an upper class citizen to exploit Mrs Johnstone’s situation as a desperate single mother of many children. Also, due to her lack of education (presumably) Mrs Johnstone is very religious, and extremely superstitious. This is probably due to her lack of money; therefore she must turn to superstition and religion for support. The reader is assured of these ideas when the audience is informed that her husband has left her, this is also a reason for her to turn to religion. It all comes down to her social class in the hierarchy of society. This is made clear in the song â€Å"Marilyn Monroe†. She sings of how she met a man that told her she looks like Marilyn Monroe, and then gets her pregnant. They have several more children, and then marry. He leaves her after saying that she looks â€Å"a bit like Marilyn Monroe†. This wraps the idea of social class into a neat bow, for the stereotype of working class men is for them to aspire to marry a nice looking woman, long legs etc. Therefore Mrs Johnstone fell into a false sense of love due to her class status, and ended up alone and vulnerable. Her children seem to be re-living history when Linda and Mickey break up after Eddie’s return from university. Overall, I believe that social class is the main theme in the play, and that Willy Russell has presented the theme very effectively. The two different families living in such a close distance from each other allows the audience to see the extremely varied lifestyles of higher and lower class living.