Question

Sappho was a Greek poetess who lived in the seventh century BC, and Zenobia was a Syrian queen who lived in the fourth century AD. Both are well-known figures in classical literature. Given the context of the passage, what does the author likely wish to imply through his reference to Sappho and Zenobia?

Answer 1

"What's better than making a comfy home and bringing up some cute kids and knowing nice homey people?"

It was the immemorial male reply to the restless woman. Thus to the young Sappho spake the melon-venders; thus the captains to Zenobia; and in the damp cave over gnawed bones the hairy suitor thus protested to the woman advocate of matriarchy. In the dialect of Blodgett College but with the voice of Sappho was Carol's answer:

"Of course. I know. I suppose that's so. Honestly, I do love children. But there's lots of women that can do housework, but I—well, if you HAVE got a college education, you ought to use it for the world."