What did the ancient Greeks value in a woman...

We were talking about this in literature after discussing encomiums (works of literature that praise an abstract quality or generalized character type), and I thought it was interesting.

(The ancient Greeks thought women were evil and sent to be temptation and stumbling blocks to men. After one of the gods created humans, Zeus introduced women into the world as punishment. Now of course Christians believe that women were made to be the helpers of men. So lets compare...)

Homer held up this picture of what was admired in a woman at that time. Interestingly, Penelope does not differ too much from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. The main difference is the physical vs. spiritual beauty.

In fact, this picture of Penelope is to me more appealing than that of Odysseus. If you remember, Odysseus wasn't very faithful to his wife (think Calypso and Circe). Penelope, however, remained faithful even when all thought Odysseus was dead. She refused to choose another husband even when dozens of rich suitors crowded into and took over her home. In ancient Greece, unfaithfulness in men was almost admired, although unfaithfulness in women was looked down upon. (and I thought the women were supposed to be the evil ones?!)