The temple
The temple symbolizes holiness. The characters are reminded of the significance of the places of worship. When Poseidon rapes Medusa inside the temple, she is punished and converted into a lethal ogre. Medusa’s eyes kill anything she interacts with. Therefore, the temple is a significant symbol representing holiness, where unforgivable sins are not tolerated.
The male Greek gods
The male Greek gods symbolize immorality and sexual violence against women. The male Greek gods are described notoriously, and they are often raping women for fun. Medusa is an innocent pretty girl, but when Poseidon sees her, he captures her and rapes her repeatedly. The male gods sexually abuse women shamelessly and do such ungodly acts inside the temple.
Misogyny
Misogyny is symbolized by Athene's decision to punish Medusa for the unforgivable sin inside the temple selectively. Athene, the goddess of wisdom, hates fellow women, and whenever she gets an opportunity to oppress them, she does not hesitate. The reader finds it paradoxical that the goddess of wisdom only punishes Medusa, an innocent girl who is forcefully raped, and the culprit, Poseidon walks freely.
