The dichotomy of female images in the works of Aeschylus and Sophocles

In ancient Greece, audiences were educated by watching stage productions of tragedies and comedies. The subject of this article is the formation of an ideal and negative female image by Aeschylus and Sophocles in their tragedies. This subject is considered in two aspects: culturological (by what means the dichotomy of images is created) and historical (in connection with which the playwrights raise the "women's question" in their productions and for what purpose). Special attention is paid to the synthesis of mythological and historical contexts of tragedies, which are closely intertwined due to the high degree of public influence of theatrical productions of the 5th century BC on the life of the polis. The methodological basis of the research is based on the principles of objectivity and consistency. The article uses general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as special ones. A method of source analysis for working with sources, a diachronic and anthropological method for determining cultural and social norms of that period. The comparative historical method is necessary to identify common trends and techniques in tragedies. The scientific novelty lies in determining the features of the formation of an ideal female image for educational purposes by using a cultural and historical approach to the problem. The authors conclude that both playwrights had similar ideas about the image of an ideal woman, which they consistently formed among their fellow citizens. Playwrights emphasized the dichotomy of images using different techniques. For example, the positive heroine was endowed with reasonable speeches and submissive, humble behavior. The image of a rebel was enhanced by appropriate epithets and emotional behavior. Such techniques were supposed to create the right value orientations in society.