Rhythm of Love: Patterns of Perception and the Classical Profession of the Hetaira. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hullinger, David
• Is Part Of: Antichthon. Volume 53(2019)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: hetaira, -- sex work, -- entertainment, -- eros, -- Classical Greece; Classical philology -- Periodicals; Classical literature -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; Classical philology; Classical literature; Criticism, interpretation, etc; 880.05
• DOI: 10.1017/ann.2019.3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0066-4774

Abstract

Abstract: For a long time, the classical profession of the hetaira, or paid female companion, has eluded definition. The hetaira has often been described as a 'courtesan' and her work as a 'form of prostitution', yet these appellatives often conflict with depictions of the hetaira by classical authors. Accordingly, in this article I will argue that the hetaira was perceived by the Greeks as an elite entertainer whose service of companionship emphasized flirtation and intimacy with a cultivated woman instead of the sale of sex. In order to demonstrate this understanding of the hetaira, I will cite evidence from a wide range of classical writings, particularly legal orations, and will ultimately propose that, when used to indicate a professional, the classical Greek term hetaira should be translated as 'entertainer'.