The figure of Clytemnestra in the Oresteia provides an interesting paradox. She challenges the status quo by stepping out of the realm of women's action and into that of men, but she does so out of female motives.
             Women in ancient Greece played a passive, subservient role in society. Their fathers controlled their lives early in life, choosing their husbands. If a girl came from a wealthy family, the betrothal was often arranged when the girl was a small child. Often they were married to men twice their age and were never allowed to meet the man until after the dowry had been arranged.
             At the ceremony, the girls became the property of the husband. From then on her duty was to manage the household. She supervised the slaves (if she was wealthy enough to own any) and raised the children. It was considered improper for a woman to be seen outside the household without a legitimate purpose. The only truly proper reason for a woman to be outside was when visiting a female friend.
             Women had very little power in marriage. They were not even considered true member of the household until they had borne their first child. All of their property belonged to their husbands, and any they inherited would also go to him. In addition, it was virtually impossible for a woman to divorce her husband, but the husband could simply send his wife back to her house with the dowry and keep the children.
             Politics, too, were off limits to women. They were not permitted to vote, or take part in operations of state. These tasks were limited to men.
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