The Complete Greek Tragedies Book Summary

Delve into the profound world of human emotion and fate with 'The Complete Greek Tragedies' by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. This anthology brings together timeless masterpieces that explore themes of justice, love, and betrayal, resonating with the core of the human experience. Experience the haunting power of ancient storytelling as characters grapple with their destinies against the backdrop of gods and mortality. Each tragedy offers a unique lens into the complexities of life, inviting readers to reflect on their own struggles and ethics. Will you uncover the echoes of ancient wisdom that still speak to our modern souls?

By Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides

Published: 1992

"Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness."

The Complete Greek TragediesBook binding

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Book Review of The Complete Greek Tragedies

"These authoritative translations consign all other complete collections to the wastebasket."--Robert Brustein, "The New Republic "This is it. No qualifications. Go out and buy it everybody."--Kenneth Rexroth, "The Nation "The translations deliberately avoid the highly wrought and affectedly poetic; their idiom is contemporary....They have life and speed and suppleness of phrase."--"Times Education Supplement "These translations belong to our time. A keen poetic sensibility repeatedly quickens them; and without this inner fire the most academically flawless rendering is dead."--Warren D. Anderson, "American Oxonian "The critical commentaries and the versions themselves...are fresh, unpretentious, above all, functional."--"Commonweal "Grene is one of the great translators."--Conor Cruise O'Brien, "London Sunday Times "Richmond Lattimore is that rara avis in our age, the classical scholar who is at the same time an accomplished poet."--Dudley Fitts, "New York Times Book Review

Book Overview of The Complete Greek Tragedies

About the Book Authors

A

Aeschylus

Aeschylus (c. 525/524 – c. 456/455 BC) was an ancient Greek playwright and is often referred to as the father of tragedy. He is one of the earliest and most celebrated dramatists in Western literature, known for his profound influence on the development of theatrical performance and drama. Aeschylus' notable works include the 'Oresteia' trilogy, which encompasses 'Agamemnon,' 'The Libation Bearers,' and 'The Eumenides,' as well as 'The Persians' and 'Seven Against Thebes.' His writing is characterized by a heightened sense of moral seriousness and a focus on the themes of justice, fate, and divine intervention. Aeschylus was known for expanding the number of actors in plays, which allowed for more complex narratives and character development, paving the way for future generations of playwrights.

S

Sophocles

Sophocles (c. 497/6 – 406/5 BC) was a seminal ancient Greek playwright and a key figure in the development of drama. He is best known for his tragedies, particularly 'Oedipus Rex' and 'Antigone', which explore complex themes of fate, morality, and the human condition. Sophocles is credited with enhancing the structure of theater by introducing a third actor and incorporating painted scenery, which paved the way for future playwrights. His writing style is characterized by its psychological depth, eloquent dialogue, and intricate plots that delve into the struggles of his characters against their destinies.

E

Euripides

Euripides (c. 480-406 BCE) was a renowned ancient Greek playwright, celebrated for his profound contributions to the genre of tragedy. One of the three ancient Greek tragedians whose works have survived, he is best known for plays such as "Medea," "The Bacchae," "Hippolytus," and "The Helen." Euripides' writing is characterized by its psychological complexity, innovative use of character development, and exploration of themes such as fate, the divine, and human emotion. His works often challenged traditional norms and showcased the inner struggles of his characters, breaking away from the conventions of his predecessors. Euripides' influence is enduring, and his plays continue to be studied and performed worldwide.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides
Published
January 1992
Publisher
N/A
ISBN
0226307638
Language
English
Pages
2124
Genres
ClassicsDramaLiterature

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Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness.

The Complete Greek Tragedies

By Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides

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