FINAL THOUGHTS: WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

Exaltation de la Fleur (exaltation of the flower), fragment from a
grave stele, Parian marble, made in Pharsalos, ca. 470/–460 BC.
From Pharsalos, Thessaly Louvre Museum, Paris, France

I discovered after exploring the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, that many of the situations and descriptions can be considered very anti feminist.  There were many occasions in which it was made clear that the women did not have any say in what took place around them even though it affected them greatly.  There were also times in which the women were described by qualities valued by men, but were not necessarily the most encompassing of their character.  I also came to the conclusion that this may simply be because it was a product of its time.   However, it is also pro women in the sense that it is a celebration of women helping women.  The entire story revolves around strong female characters driven by passion and love for their families, willing to risk anything to help them.  While often given less power, the narrative displayed these woman in the most reverent light.

As I was reading this myth, I recalled the Bechdel Test.  The Bechdel test was popularized by Allison Bechdel and is used in movies, shows and literature, not to measure quality, but simply the awareness of our culture and our communication.  It just needs to pass this very simple and insightful criteria: 

                          1. It has to have at least two [named] women in it

2. Who talk to each other

3. About something besides a man

 

I was thrilled to be aware of this test and find so many conversations between named woman characters revolving around their lives.

There were multiple times during the reading of the myth that I was compelled by the way the author described the depths of the emotions of the sisters,Hekate, Demeter, and Persephone.  I felt this writing showed a beautiful understanding of woman and illustrated their heroism and valor as well as any of the male heroes of that day.
 

More information about the Bechdel Test
http://bechdeltest.com/