Tragic Heroines in Ancient Greek Drama

This book explores the heroines of Greek tragedy through the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, focusing on characterisation, motivations, and the socio-political dynamic of ancient Greek expectations of women. It offers multiple viewpoints and critiques to enable readers to understand the context of each play and form their own views. Four core themes bridge the depictions: the conflict of masculinity versus femininity, the alternation of defiance and submission, and the interplay between deceit and rhetoric.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The heroines of Greek tragedy, portrayed in the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, have long held the fascination of audiences and critics alike. In this comprehensive volume, each of the eleven chapters delves into the life and story of one remarkable heroine: Clytemnestra, Hecuba, Medea, Iphigenia, Alcestis, Antigone Electra, Deianeira, Phaedra, Creusa, and Helen. The book aims to explore the characterizations and motivations of these women, as well as those of the male playwrights, offering a multifaceted perspective that encourages readers to understand the context of each play and form their own interpretations.

Four central themes serve as the threads that connect the depictions of the heroines: the socio-political dynamics of ancient Greek expectations of women and their roles in society, the clash between masculinity and femininity, the oscillation between defiance and submission, and the intricate interplay between deceit and rhetoric. Each chapter provides a clear and detailed account of the plot and mythical background, building upon the text of the plays to facilitate reflections on language and performance. Technical terms are explained in plain language, and key topics or references are highlighted in box features that offer further background information. Discussion points at the end of each chapter encourage readers to delve deeper into various topics and themes.

In conclusion, this volume offers a valuable exploration of the heroines of Greek tragedy, shedding light on their complex characters, motivations, and the broader societal context in which they lived. Through its comprehensive analysis and engaging narrative, it provides readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these iconic figures and their enduring impact on the world of literature and drama.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350103986