#250 - Reading the Greek Tragedies

6 snips

May 30, 2025

Discover the thrilling world of Greek tragedies as the host reflects on reading works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Explore the profound themes of lies, violence, and moral dilemmas that resonate even today. Delve into the emotional weight of characters like Medea and the complex narratives of figures such as Iphigenia and Ajax. Learn about the evolution of these timeless stories and their extravagant performances in ancient Athens. Plus, gain insights on how to approach reading these classics in a meaningful way.

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ANECDOTE

Erik's Greek Tragedies Journey

Erik Rostad read all 33 surviving Greek tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides over more than a year.
He initially struggled with Aeschylus due to style and distractions but benefited greatly from perseverance.

INSIGHT

Tragedies Expand Mythic Depth

Greek tragedies deepen known myths and explore profound human questions beyond the Iliad and Odyssey.
They reveal character complexities and shift perceptions with stories before and after known events.

INSIGHT

Core Elements of Tragedy

Tragedy depicts impossible, extreme situations where all choices lead to suffering and often involve fate versus human agency.
The chorus serves as a bridge to the audience, providing context or viewpoints within the performance.

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Iphigenia at Aulis

Euripides

Edward Coleridge

Greek Epic Fragments

Martin West

Phylloctetes

Sophocles

Aristophanes

Aristophanes was a prolific playwright of Old Comedy, known for his biting satire and political commentary. His plays, such as *Lysistrata* and *The Clouds*, are considered some of the greatest works of ancient Greek literature, providing a unique glimpse into the social and political life of Athens during the Peloponnesian War.

Iphigenia at Taurus

Euripides

Handel's Messiah

Robert Manson Myers

George Frideric Handel's Messiah is an oratorio composed in 1741. It's a masterpiece of Baroque music, renowned for its powerful and moving depiction of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The libretto, compiled by Charles Jennens, draws extensively from the Bible, using scriptural passages to narrate the story of Christ. The work is structured in three parts, covering prophecies of the Messiah, his suffering and death, and his resurrection and ascension. Its enduring popularity stems from its profound spiritual message and the beauty of its musical composition.

The Homeric hymns

Homer

The Homeric Hymns are a collection of ancient Greek hymns attributed to Homer, though their authorship is debated. These hymns praise various Greek gods and goddesses, offering insights into ancient Greek religion and mythology. They are written in dactylic hexameter, the same meter as Homer's epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. The hymns vary in length and subject matter, some focusing on specific myths and others offering general praise. They are a valuable source for understanding the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Greece. The hymns' poetic language and vivid imagery continue to captivate readers today.

Medea

Euripides

The play revolves around Medea, a Colchian princess and sorceress, who seeks revenge against her husband Jason after he decides to marry Glauce, the daughter of King Creon of Corinth. Medea, feeling betrayed and dishonored, plots to kill Glauce, Creon, and her own children to inflict maximum pain on Jason. With the help of Aegeus, King of Athens, who offers her sanctuary, Medea executes her plan, leading to the tragic deaths of several characters and her eventual escape in a chariot provided by her grandfather, the sun-god Helios. The play explores themes of injustice, revenge, and the power of women in ancient Greek society[2][3][4].

Philoctetes

The Play and the Man

Ivan Mortimer Linforth

In this work, Ivan Mortimer Linforth provides a detailed analysis of the play 'Philoctetes' and its central character. The book delves into the literary and historical context of the play, offering insights into the themes, characters, and significance within classical Greek literature.

Homer

Homer's works, including the Iliad and the Odyssey, are foundational texts of ancient Greek literature, shaping Western culture and storytelling.

Ajax

Sophocles

The play, written by Sophocles in the 5th century BCE, centers on the Greek warrior Ajax, who becomes enraged when the armor of Achilles is awarded to Odysseus instead of him. Driven to madness by the goddess Athena, Ajax mistakenly attacks and slaughters livestock, believing them to be his enemies. Upon regaining his sanity and realizing his mistake, Ajax is overwhelmed by shame and decides to commit suicide. The play delves into themes of honor, shame, and the human condition, highlighting the complexities of heroism and the societal values that can lead to destruction[1][4][5].

Hesiod

*Theogony* recounts the history of the gods, beginning with the emergence of Chaos, Gaea (Earth), and Eros, and culminates with the triumph of Zeus as the supreme god. It includes genealogies of gods and goddesses and the link between gods and humans. *Works and Days* is a more personal narrative that addresses Hesiod's brother Perses, urging him to abandon his schemes and gain his livelihood through hard work. It describes the five Ages of Man, offers advice on farming and daily life, and includes myths such as Pandora's box.

Aeschylus

This volume contains translations of some of Aeschylus' most notable works, offering insights into ancient Greek tragedy and its themes. The plays explore historical events, mythological conflicts, and philosophical questions, showcasing Aeschylus' mastery of dramatic storytelling.

Mythology

Edith Hamilton

Edith Hamilton's 'Mythology' is a definitive guide to the myths of Western culture, covering Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. The book is divided into several sections, including the gods, creation and early heroes, stories of love and adventure, the great heroes of the Trojan War, and lesser myths. It also includes a brief section on Norse mythology. Hamilton's work brings these ancient stories to life, highlighting their influence on art, literature, and cultural inquiry from antiquity to the present. The book serves both as a reference text for scholars and a readable guide for general audiences[2][3][5].

Oresteia

Aeschylus

Sophocles

This book provides a detailed analysis of Sophocles' plays, exploring themes such as the human condition, moral duty, and the complexities of human relationships. It offers insights into Sophocles' reinterpretation of ancient myths and his contribution to Greek drama.

Crime and Punishment

Bibliophile Bibliophile Pro

Constance Black Garnett

FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought[2][4][5].

Euripides

This collection includes four of Euripides' plays: *Alcestis*, *Medea*, *The Children of Heracles*, and *Hippolytus*. These works showcase Euripides' powerful storytelling and exploration of human emotions, challenging social norms and religious beliefs prevalent in ancient Greek society. The plays delve into themes such as love, sacrifice, revenge, and the complexities of human nature.

Helen

Euripides

Euripides' "Helen" is a Greek tragedy that offers a unique retelling of the Trojan War myth. In this version, Helen never actually went to Troy; a phantom was sent in her place. The real Helen was stranded in Egypt, where she encounters Menelaus after the war. The play explores themes of deception, identity, and the nature of reality. "Helen" is known for its clever plot twists and its subversion of traditional expectations. The play's exploration of identity and the power of illusion remains relevant today. Its enduring appeal lies in its clever plot and its exploration of the human condition.