How were women portrayed in Greek poetry?

Women in Greek poetry were often portrayed in a way that emphasized their roles in a patriarchal society, which contributed to a view of them as sources of temptation and chaos. This portrayal frequently aligned with the themes found in myths and stories, where women could symbolize dangers that disrupt the social order, leading to the perception that they were a punishment for men. This perspective was influenced by prevailing philosophical and cultural attitudes of the time, which painted women as being responsible for moral failings or societal problems.

The other options present more positive representations of women, such as being seen as strong partners, noble figures, or equal contributors to culture and art. However, these views were less common in the overarching narrative of Greek poetry, where women's roles were more typically confined to secondary, often problematic positions, illustrating the complexities and contrasts in the portrayal of gender within the ancient literary canon.