Women to be Feared

The topic 'Women to be Feared' in OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation explores the portrayal of formidable women in ancient Greek and Roman literature and mythology. These women—such as Medea, Clytemnestra, and Dido—are depicted as powerful, often dangerous figures who challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Students analyse how these characters use intelligence, manipulation, or violence to achieve their goals, and how their actions reflect contemporary anxieties about female power. The topic is part of the 'Women in the Ancient World' thematic study, which examines the roles, representations, and realities of women in classical societies.

Understanding these figures is crucial because they reveal the complex attitudes towards women in antiquity. While ancient societies were largely patriarchal, these stories show women who defy subordination, often with tragic consequences. By studying characters like Medea (who murders her own children) or Clytemnestra (who kills her husband), students explore themes of revenge, justice, and the limits of female agency. The topic also connects to broader literary and historical contexts, such as the role of women in Athenian drama or the influence of Greek myths on Roman culture.

For the OCR exam, students must be able to analyse specific sources (e.g., Euripides' Medea, Virgil's Aeneid) and discuss how these women are constructed as 'fearful'. They should consider the perspectives of the authors, the intended audiences, and the cultural values being reinforced or challenged. This topic not only builds skills in source analysis and literary criticism but also encourages critical thinking about gender and power—issues that remain relevant today.