Throughout history, women have been expected to behave a certain way in order to uphold some kind of ideal image. The woman is expected to be a virtuous and upright person, forever loyal and subservient to her husband. However while history adheres to this common image of the woman, a very different mold is shaped for the man. This establishes a double standard between the two genders. The dictionary defines the term ‘double standard’ as a “system, code, or criterion applied unequally; specifically a code of behavior that is stricter for women than for men, especially in matters of sex” (Agnes et al. 429). This phrase defines women’s history, as women are constantly viewed under different guidelines and principles than their male counterparts. Written by Homer, the epic poem entitled The Odyssey epitomizes the idea of the double standard in Ancient Greek society. It revolves around the subject of promiscuous behavior in the sexual sense, as males engaged in the behavior while females were expected to abstain from it. The idea of sexual promiscuity in The Odyssey creates an unfair double standard between its male and female characters.

The difference of accepted sexual behavior between gods and goddesses is exemplified in an angry speech given to the gods by the goddess Calypso. When Hermes informs her that the prisoner Odysseus must return home, Calypso becomes frustrated.

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        Oh you vile gods, in jealousy supernal!

        You hate it when we choose to lie with men –

        immortal flesh by some dear mortal side…

        Then Demeter of the tasseled tresses yielded

        to Iasion, mingling and making love

        in a furrow three times plowed; but Zeus found out

        and killed him with a white-hot thunderbolt (Homer 5.124).

In this passage, Calypso points out the fact that the male gods can engage in promiscuous behavior. However when the goddesses try to involve themselves in the same activities, they face persecution by their counterparts. The gods disapprove so much that ...

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