Publication Date
2025
Presentation Length
15 minutes
College
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Department
Philosophy, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Dr. MC Cunningham
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Summary
Feminine sexuality has often been viewed through the lens of male desire. There are many paths one may take to analyze this issue. In this essay, I turn to ancient Greek texts to search for the meaning of a feminine sexuality. I will analyze various scientific, philosophical, and poetic ancient Greek works to better understand the prevalent beliefs at the time. I will begin by looking at the ancient Greek medical explanation of women’s bodies, particularly their sexual organs. Then, I will turn to female sexuality through the lens of a male narrative in ancient Greek texts. In the end, I will analyze Sappho’s poetry, hoping to find a feminine sexuality as defined by a woman. I will argue that Sappho’s poetry points toward feminine sexuality being an end in itself; while women bear children, the function of a woman’s sexuality cannot—and should not—be restricted to reproductive utility and male fantasies.
Recommended Citation
Guthrie, Sophie J., "Male Fantasies: The Search for Female Sexuality in Ancient Greek Thought" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 753.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/753
