Research Catalog

Title

Rape and the politics of consent in classical Athens / Rosanna Omitowoju.

Author

Omitowoju, Rosanna.

Publication

Cambridge, U.K. ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2002.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

ix, 249 p.; 23 cm.

Summary

"This book is an in-depth study of the topic of rape in classical Athens. Its central focus is on violent sexual encounters but it also raises questions about the nature and ingredients of any type of sexual activity in Athens. In particular it concentrates on two related areas: the law of classical Athens, especially as represented by speeches delivered in court, and the plays of Menander. These work at complementary levels in respect of period, subject matter and concerns with social conformity, while at the same time being widely different genres of discourse. It is argued that within the evaluation of heterosexual activity in Athens considerations about the consent of the female party were never the key factor. Rather it was the status of the two parties, in social, marital and political terms, which ultimately determined whether or not a sexual act was regarded as acceptable."--BOOK JACKET.

Series Statement

Cambridge classical studies

Uniform Title

Cambridge classical studies.

Subject

• Menander
• Menander, 342/341 - 291/290 v. Chr
• Altertum (Epoche)
• Rape > Athens
• Sex customs > Athens

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 234-247) and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Pt. I. Regulating rape with words: rhetoric and respectability in the Athenian courts -- Introduction: Athenian law in context -- 1. Hubris: rape and shame -- 2. Bia: rape and violence -- 3. Moicheia: rape and adultery -- 4. Women and status -- Pt. 2. Menander: propriety and transgression -- Introduction: Menander in context -- 5. Rape and recognition in Menander -- 6. Rape and maintaining the status quo: citizenship, marriage, money and eros.

ISBN

0521800749

LCCN

^^2001043605

OCLC

• 47894936
• SCSB-13360961

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library