"The Gendered Presentations of Athena" -- Poppy Robbins
The Gendered Presentations of Athena by Poppy Robbins Abstract This dissertation examines two main works of literature that highlight Athena’s gender non-conformity. These works will demonstrate how the classical world was far more accepting of LGBTQIA+ identities, even if this acceptance was not explicit in many writings. They will also exemplify how struggles of gender identity, paired with society’s gendered expectations can affect anyone and everyone, including deities. I shall be specifically examining Hesiod’s Theogony (700 BCE) and Aeschylus’ Oresteia (458 BCE), with each work having their own dedicated chapter. This allows investigation into both Athena’s birth, and her existence moving forward as an established divinity. Contrasting previous works that explore Athena as simply possessing a dimorphic nature, I shall be exploring Athena’s relationship specifically with gender non-conformity; including how her existence as a genderqueer person began, and affected her going forw