Euripides: Herakles

by Emma Griffiths

In Euripides' play we see a very different figure from the Herakles of popular imagination. In his account of Herakles' maddened killing of his children, Euripides emphasises the human to the hero's character, presenting him as a loving father. Herakles is an ideal text for those new to ancient drama, raising many central issues of Greek tragedy. Emma Griffiths analyses the key themes and characters while situating the drama in the wider context of Greek tragedy and mythology. Euripides' approach to drama is illustrated through consideration of the hero's self-awareness, and the reception of the play in later art and literature is discussed as part of an exploration of the 'universality' of tragedy.

Genres: Classics, Drama

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[James Carrigy · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10

Ah darn it Herc, you sure done goofed.

[Floor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful for a study of the themes in the text, but could have been more elaborate

[Beverley Hansler · Rating 3 out of 5]

i had to read it for school, makes anything less enjoyable. however the change of Mania to Lyssa, making his madness a "release" added an interesting element to the play

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it cheating to add this to my "read" shelf? I usually only include the books I read for pleasure, but I read this to prepare for my upper-level Greek course this fall.

[Jess Grayson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an odd play. Not my favourite of Euripides, but I think the representation of Madness is really interesting!

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main events of the play unfold so quickly you hardly have time to catch your breath. And when you finally do all your left with is turmoil. The audience only learn of the events along with the characters when it is too late. This play was so engaging and tragic taking a very unconventional view of one of the most famous of Greek hero's.