
Based on the conviction that only translators who write poetry themselves can properly re-create the celebrated and timeless tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, the Greek Tragedy in New Translations series offers new translations that go beyond the literal meaning of the Greek in order to evoke the poetry of the originals.This volume collects Euipides' Alcestis (translated by William Arrowsmith), a subtle drama about Alcestis and her husband Admetos, which is the oldest surviving work by the dramatist; Medea (Michael Collier and Georgia Machemer), a moving vengeance story and an excellent example of the prominence and complexity that Euripides gave to female characters; Helen (Peter Burian), a genre breaking play based on the myth of Helen in Egypt; and Cyclops (Heather McHugh and David Konstan), a highly lyrical drama based on a celebrated episode from the Odyssey. This volume retains the informative introductions and explanatory notes of the original editions and adds a single combined glossary and Greek line numbers.
The central conflict involves the collision between divine will, human pride, and the destructive consequences of vengeance and sacrifice. These plays follow various protagonists—from the self-sacrificing Alcestis to the vengeful Medea—as they navigate moral dilemmas and the whims of the gods. The narrative framework utilizes the conventions of ancient Greek theater, employing dialogue, choral odes, and dramatic irony to explore the limits of human agency. The world is defined by rigid social hierarchies and the inescapable influence of mythological fate.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the effectiveness of these translations in capturing the lyrical intensity of the original Greek verse. Discussion often centers on the nuanced portrayal of Euripides' female characters, particularly in the play Medea, which remains a focal point for debates on gender and power in antiquity. The pacing is noted for its deliberate, rhythmic quality, characteristic of classical drama, which balances intense monologues with the collective voice of the chorus. Scholars appreciate the inclusion of explanatory notes, which provide necessary context for the cultural and mythological references embedded within the text.
Page Count:
512
Publication Date:
2011-01-04
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195388712
ISBN-13:
9780195388718
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!