The figure of Semiramis

Other posters have already noted the way in which Sardanapalus is characterized as weak and effeminate, but the aspect of this which I found the most interesting was the profound contrast with that of the figure of Semiramis. This legendary woman, described as the “Man-Queen” (43) is the complete antithesis to the pampered and lazy King, “femininely-garbed” (41).  Samiramis is described like a Homeric hero, who traveled “to the solar shores of Ganges” (127) and fought battles with glory and honor. Although she “failed” the takeover of India, she still brought multiple cities into the realm, increasing its size dramatically. Sardanapalus scoffs at her failure and uses it to justify his laziness: “Is this Glory? Then let me live in ignominy ever” (138-9). Semiramis is certainly a woman who defied gender roles and the idea that she must stay in her “sphere” as Sardanapalus notes she would be better off doing: “That she had better woven within her palace/ Some twenty garments, than with twenty guards/ Have fled to Bactria” (133-135). In this juxtaposition between the two figures, one can note how Byron uses the comparison to remark on gender roles.