Classical Greek Tragedy

The book Classical Greek Tragedy provides a comprehensive survey of the development of classical Greek tragedy, focusing on the relationship between performers and watchers, and the impact of social forces on spectators reception. It traces the historical development of these dynamics through three representative tragedies, and explores topics such as the role of the chorus, the tragic hero, mythical characters, and Aristotelian assessments. The genre articulates a reality beyond the visible stage action that intersects with the characters existence and resonates with the audiences religious beliefs and collective psychology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Classical Greek Tragedy is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of classical Greek tragedy, complemented by in-depth analyses of exemplary texts. By reconstructing the ways in which audiences in fifth-century BCE Athens derived meaning from the performances of tragedy at the dramatic festivals sponsored by the city-state and its wealthiest citizens, the book delves into the contextual factors that shaped their reception of the drama. These factors include Athenian political and legal structures, gender ideology, religious beliefs, and other social forces. The book specifically focuses on the interplay between performers and watchers, encompassing not only Athenian male citizens but also women and audiences throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.

To trace the historical development of these dynamics, the book employs three representative tragedies that span a 50-year period: Aeschylus' Seven Against Thebes, Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus, and Euripides' Helen. These tragedies serve as focal points for examining various aspects of classical Greek tragedy. Topics explored include the role of the chorus, the tragic hero, the recurrence of mythical characters and subject matter, Aristotelian assessments of the components of tragedy, developments in theater architecture and their impact on character interactions, and the spaces they occupy.

A central theme that unites these discussions is the recognition that classical Greek tragedy articulates a reality that extends beyond the visible stage action. This reality intersects with the characters' present-moment existence and resonates with the audiences' religious beliefs and collective psychology. Within the performance space, human voices, activated through oaths, hymns, curses, and prayers, emanate powerful forces from an invisible dimension. These forces respond in the form of oracles and prophecies, forms of discourse that held profound significance for those who witnessed the original productions of tragedy.

By examining the complexities of classical Greek tragedy, The Classical Greek Tragedy offers a profound understanding of the genre's historical, cultural, and psychological significance. It sheds light on the ways in which ancient audiences created meaning from the performances of tragedy and how these performances continue to resonate with modern audiences, transcending time and space.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350144569