Women of Legend
This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
Women of Legend in OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation explores the portrayal of mortal women in Greek myth, focusing on figures like Penelope, Andromache, and Medea. It examines their roles in society, relationships, and the tension between female agency and male-dominated expectations, as seen in Homer's Odyssey and Euripides' Medea.
Topic Overview
Women of Legend is a fascinating topic that examines how ancient Greek literature portrays mortal women in myth. You will study figures like Penelope from Homer's Odyssey, Andromache from the Iliad, and Medea from Euripides' tragedy. These women are not just background characters; they are central to the plots and themes of the works, offering insights into Greek attitudes towards gender, marriage, and heroism.
The topic is part of the Myth and Religion paper in OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation. It requires you to analyse literary sources closely, considering how women are depicted in different genres (epic and tragedy) and how they interact with male heroes. You will explore themes such as fidelity, revenge, and the role of women in the household, as well as the tension between public and private life.
Understanding Women of Legend is crucial because it reveals the expectations and limitations placed on women in ancient Greece, but also shows how they could exercise agency and influence. By comparing different characters, you will develop skills in literary analysis and cultural interpretation, which are essential for the exam and for a deeper appreciation of classical literature.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →The role of women in ancient Greek society: limited rights, expected to be submissive, manage the household, and produce heirs.
- →The concept of 'kleos' (glory) and how it applies to men, while women are often associated with 'nostos' (return) or domesticity.
- →The use of cunning (metis) by female characters like Penelope and Medea to achieve their goals.
- →The portrayal of women as either 'good' (faithful, obedient) or 'bad' (deceitful, vengeful) in Greek literature.
- →The influence of genre: epic poetry (Odyssey) presents women differently from tragedy (Medea).
What You Need to Demonstrate
Key skills and knowledge for this topic
- Understanding of temple layout including the naos/cella and cult statue
- Knowledge of the position and function of the altar
- Roles and responsibilities of Greek officials (hiereus, hiereia, mantis)
- Roles and responsibilities of Roman officials (Pontiffs, Pontifex Maximus, Augurs, Vestal Virgins, Haruspex)
- Understanding the purpose and process of animal sacrifice
- Ability to compare Greek and Roman temple use and religious practices
- Knowledge of specific prescribed temples: Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Pantheon, Temple of Fortuna Virilis
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Understanding of temple layout including the naos/cella and cult statue
- Knowledge of the position and function of the altar
- Roles and responsibilities of Greek officials (hiereus, hiereia, mantis)
- Roles and responsibilities of Roman officials (Pontiffs, Pontifex Maximus, Augurs, Vestal Virgins, Haruspex)
- Understanding the purpose and process of animal sacrifice
- Ability to compare Greek and Roman temple use and religious practices
- Knowledge of specific prescribed temples: Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Pantheon, Temple of Fortuna Virilis
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡Ensure you can identify and describe the key features of the prescribed temples
- 💡Be prepared to compare the role of priests and priestesses in both cultures
- 💡Use specific terminology (e.g., naos, cella, hiereus, haruspex) accurately
- 💡Practice linking visual evidence from temple architecture to the literary descriptions of sacrifice
- 💡Always refer to the specific source texts (Homer's Odyssey, Euripides' Medea) and quote or paraphrase to support your points. This shows the examiner you have read the texts closely.
- 💡When comparing characters, use a clear structure: point, evidence, analysis. For example, 'Both Penelope and Medea use cunning, but Penelope uses it to preserve her household, while Medea uses it to destroy Jason's.'
- 💡Be aware of the social context: mention the role of women in ancient Greece (e.g., limited rights, arranged marriages) to show you understand the cultural background.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- Confusing the roles of specific Greek and Roman religious officials
- Failing to link the physical layout of the temple to its religious function
- Generalising religious practices without distinguishing between Greek and Roman contexts
- Neglecting to use both literary and visual/material evidence in arguments
- Misconception: All women in Greek myth are passive and unimportant. Correction: While they lack political power, characters like Penelope and Medea are central to the plot and demonstrate intelligence and agency.
- Misconception: Medea is a goddess because she has magical powers. Correction: She is mortal, though of divine ancestry; her magic is a skill, not a divine attribute.
- Misconception: Penelope is simply a faithful wife with no other qualities. Correction: She is also cunning and resourceful, using her weaving trick to delay the suitors and maintain control.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Read the relevant sections of the Odyssey (Books 1-2, 19, 21-23) focusing on Penelope. Take notes on her actions, words, and how others describe her.
- 2Week 2: Read Euripides' Medea, focusing on Medea's speeches and her interactions with Jason and the Chorus. Compare her to Penelope.
- 3Week 3: Create revision cards for each character, including key quotes and themes. Practise past exam questions on Women of Legend.
- 4Week 4: Review your notes, test yourself with active recall, and write a timed essay on a comparison question.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋1-2 mark questions: Define a key term (e.g., 'What is a suitor?') or identify a character.
- 📋4-5 mark questions: Describe a character or event (e.g., 'Describe how Penelope delays the suitors.')
- 📋6-8 mark questions: Explain or compare (e.g., 'Explain how Medea is portrayed as a powerful woman.')
- 📋10-12 mark questions: Evaluate or discuss (e.g., 'Evaluate the view that women in Greek myth are always victims.')
Command Word Expectations (OCR)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
Give a detailed account of a character, event, or scene. Include specific details from the source text, but do not analyse or evaluate.
Give reasons or causes for something. Show how and why a character behaves in a certain way, using evidence from the text.
Identify similarities and differences between two characters or texts. Use a structured approach, with clear points of comparison and evidence.
Make a judgement about a statement or issue. Consider different viewpoints, use evidence to support your argument, and reach a conclusion.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: Explain how Penelope uses her intelligence to delay her suitors in the Odyssey. Use evidence from the text. (6 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Identify the key fact: Penelope promises to choose a husband when she finishes weaving a shroud for Laertes.
- 2.Step 2: Explain the trick: She weaves by day and unravels it by night, thus delaying her decision for three years.
- 3.Step 3: Use evidence: Quote or paraphrase from Odyssey Book 2 (Antinous tells the story) or Book 19 (Penelope tells Odysseus).
- 4.Step 4: Analyse the significance: This shows her cunning and loyalty, as she uses a domestic task to maintain control over her situation.
Question: Compare the portrayal of Medea in Euripides' play with the portrayal of Penelope in the Odyssey. (8 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Identify key similarities: Both are intelligent, resourceful women who face difficult situations.
- 2.Step 2: Identify key differences: Medea is openly defiant and violent, while Penelope is patient and submissive in appearance.
- 3.Step 3: Use evidence: Medea's revenge (killing her children) vs Penelope's weaving trick.
- 4.Step 4: Analyse the context: Medea is a foreigner and a witch, while Penelope is a Greek queen; both challenge male authority in different ways.
- 5.Step 5: Conclude: Both women subvert expectations, but Medea does so destructively, while Penelope does so constructively.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •A basic understanding of Greek mythology and the Trojan War, as many characters are connected to it.
- •Familiarity with the plot of Homer's Odyssey and the story of Jason and the Argonauts (for Medea).
- •Knowledge of key terms like 'epic', 'tragedy', 'hubris', and 'pathos'.
Likely Command Words
How questions on this topic are typically asked
Ready to test yourself?
Practice questions tailored to this topic