CLST1208 - Ancient Women's Voices from Homer to Hadestown

“We may call Eurydice forth from the world of the dead, but we cannot make her answer.” Such is the challenge, as described by Margaret Atwood, that faces a scholar of historically marginalized groups. Most of our knowledge about the lives of ancient Greek and Roman women comes from male sources, from which we imagine a female perspective. But what about when these figures have speaking roles? Are they still voiceless? This course provides an introductory survey of ancient Greek and Roman literary and dramatic texts which feature women as voiced (speaking) subjects. Readings will include excerpts in translation from Homeric epic, tragedy, Greek and Roman comedy, Vergil’s Aeneid, and Ovid. We will also consider the poetry of two ancient women, Sulpicia and Sappho. Can we assume that they represent more authentic experiences? Are these voices just as artificial and literary as their male-authored counterparts? We will also consider modern reimaginings of ancient women’s voices which offer new ways to reclaim, reframe, and problematize the "Classical" canon; these texts include Madeline Miller’s “Circe”, Nina Maclaughlin’s “Wake, Siren”, and the musical “Hadestown”. As we consider the voices of ancient figures, students will have the opportunity to develop their own through various critical speaking assignments. This course is offered as a Communication Within the Curriculum seminar, and no prior knowledge is required.