The Portrayal of the family in early Greek hexameter poetry
Date
1994
Authors
Pearson, Sara L.
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Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the portrayal of the family in Early Greek hexameter poetry, and to describe the influence of that portrayal upon the identity of the characters within the poems and upon the structure of the poems themselves. The introductory chapter defines the family as described in early Greek. The definition of the family is governed by two distinct concepts, γενός and οἶκος. I describe γενός as a 'vertical axis' which consists of the male line of genealogy (usually associated with sons); I describe the οἶκος as a 'horizontal axis' which includes the household (usually associated with marriage). I examine these familial axes and their attendant polarities (male/female, immortality/mortality, stability/flux, loyalty/treachery).
Chapter One examines the family as a backdrop for the scenes of male heroism which dominate the Iliad. The relationship of father and son is portrayed as highly valued, that of husband and wife as fragile and ambiguous. The figure of Hektor provides an example of the valuing of γενός over οἶκος, heroic glory over the home. I examine the anomalous figure of Achilleus in relation to his own familial situation, and with respect to his shifting attitudes towards the vertical and horizontal axes. I also discuss the role of female family members who are helpless spectators and provide a counterpoint to the world of war; and the family of the gods, whose inability to rescue their mortal children amplifies the theme of familial tragedy which pervades the poem. I also describe the Iliad's structural framework in terms of the father-son relationship and the husband-wife relationship.
In Chapter Two I discuss the family in the Odyssey. The Odyssey is framed by the accounts of Odysseus' son and father, with the theme of the treacherous wife woven throughout. The Telemacheia serves to establish Telemachos as _Odysseus' son, and, along with the wanderings of Odysseus, it offers other familial paradigms which contrast with Odysseus' οἶκος. The eventual homecoming of Odysseus and his reunification with his family reveals the trustworthiness of blood relationships and the potential treachery inherent in social relationships.
Chapter Three shifts us to the world of the gods as described in the Homeric Hymns. I examine the immortal father-son relationship, and the threat that an immortal son can pose to the reign of his father. The Hymns celebrate Zeus' successful Olympian reign, which can be partially explained in terms of his successful dealings with his children and wives also examine the anxiety surrounding immortal mothers and birth, and the intersection of mortal and immortal within the medium of the family.
Chapter Four covers Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days. Hesiod covers the world of gods and of men, providing a portrayal of the family which contrasts with the other epic poems, in that it is almost entirely negative. The succession myth emphasises the problem of immortal sons, and celebrates Zeus' success in producing a few dutiful sons, numerous dutiful daughters, and his success at controlling procreation. Hesiod's own family provides a counterpart to the familial portrayal in the poems, for he depicts tension between father and son, brother and brother, and husband and wife. The conclusion of his Works and Days somewhat alleviates his predominantly negative view of the family. The Conclusion of the thesis summarises the contents of the chapters, and explores some broader issues regarding the role of the family in early Greek literature.