Trojan Women tells the story of the survivors of the Trojan War, the women and children taken into slavery by the victorious Greek army. Through the tragedy's central character, the matriarch Hecuba, this late play (415 BCE) demonstrates Euripides' commitment to speaking on behalf of the less powerful and offers a scathing critique of Athenian behavior as the city fought its own disastrous war with its southern neighbor, Sparta. Trojan Women features well-known characters from Greek mythology, including the prophetess Cassandra, the gods Athena and Poseidon, and, most notably, the infamous Helen, the cause of the war, who must defend herself to the husband she abandoned. This new translation features a text committed to accuracy and clarity, one developed in collaboration with actors for clear reading and performance. Appendices provide other important literary treatments of the central women in the play, with selections ranging from Homer to Shakespeare.
Euripides
Euripides was an ancient Greek tragedian born around 480 BC in Athens. He is known for his innovative and controversial plays that challenged traditional beliefs and societal norms. Some of his most notable works include "Medea," "The Bacchae," and "Electra."
Euripides' plays often featured strong female characters and explored themes of revenge, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature. His use of psychological depth and moral ambiguity set him apart from his contemporaries and influenced future playwrights.
Euripides made significant contributions to the development of Greek tragedy, incorporating elements of realism and focusing on the inner lives of his characters. His works continue to be studied and performed around the world, with "Medea" being his most famous and enduring play. Euripides' legacy as a master of tragedy and a pioneer of dramatic storytelling has had a lasting impact on the literary genre.
Other related
Euripides I : Alcestis, Medea, The Children of Heracles, Hippolytus
