Semiramis’s successes are minimized from childhood. She’s called a witch and a whore, manipulative and power-hungry, among other things. Are there any characters, in your opinion, who truly see her accomplishments? Why do you believe women’s contributions have generally been undervalued throughout history? Has this changed over time, in your opinion?
I think Onnes appreciated her accomplishments. Women being undervalued throughout history is pretty complicated. In Babylonia era, they were seem as objects. In the Bible they are told to obey their husbands who probably believed they couldnt do anything but manage a household. It has changed but has a long way to go. Mens egos are so fragile, they cant be outdone by women.
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Especially when this story took place it was a man’s world. Women were second class citizens, cook, clean, have children. I agree that Onnes certainly saw her accomplishments. Women have come a long way but we still have work to do.
Perhaps Nisat saw Semiramis’ accomplishments and that is why she didn’t like her. Perhaps, she saw some of her own determination and intelligence in Semiramis and was threatened by it. Unlike Semiramis, most women are not so strong willed and determined that they will go into a bloody war and fight beside their husbands. Throughout history us women have been deemed the weaker sex both physically and mentally and that’s why we have been undervalued. However, I think these beliefs about women are being proven untrue today!
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Semiramis was born a female orphan and a commoner. She is on the lowest rung of village culture and is treated accordingly. Even her brother treats her dismissively because she is a girl with no status.
Later, when Semiramis gains power, she is treated dismissively because she is a threat. Name calling has always been a way to keep women in their place.
I think Sasi grows to truly value Semiramis’s gifts and ability to use her power wisely.
Powerful women have traditionally been undervalued throughout history because they represent a threat to the patriarchy. Men traditionally are threatened by and dislike powerful women. Women are often still under-valued and treated unfairly, although the status of women now in developed countries has certainly improved dramatically.
I think that Onnes admired her boldness, while Nisat was threatened by her. Nisat was afraid that Semiramis would take away her power. During the time period of this book, women were regarded as property with no rights. As time has progressed, patriarchal societies have suppressed women and their rights and opportunities.
I think Onnes, Nisat, and Ribat all appreciated Semiramis’ accomplishments, and admired her for different reasons. In general, I think women’s accomplishments have been undervalued because of the patriarchal society in which we live. Things have definitely improved over the centuries, but we still have room for improvement. To be fair, I think society’s view about men have improved, as well; it is becoming more socially acceptable for men to show their emotions, just as it has become more socially acceptable for women to perform in traditionally male roles.
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I agree Onnes, Nisat and Ribat all see Semiramis as more than a “mere woman.” I would add in the spymaster! He is very astute, and sees the potential of Semiramis.
In general, I do think women’s contributions have often been overlooked. Fortunately, there now seems to be several authors that are writing about women and their contributions.
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While I think Onnes and Ribat appreciated what Semiramis was able to accomplish, women in the Assyrian culture were highly undervalued. This has been the case with women over the years, and while we have come a long way, there is still much to be done in appreciating the value of women.
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