The document discusses the role of women in Homer's epic poem The Iliad and their effect on the war. It notes that according to scholar Mary R. Lefkowitz, women had little independence and were always under the supervision of men, such as husbands, fathers, or sons. Captured women like Chryseis and Briseis became slaves and were entirely subject to their masters. The role of women in the story impacted the events and relationships between characters.