Benjamin Clawson’s Reviews > Great Books of the Western World > Status Update

Finished Phoenecian Maidens

It was pretty alright. I think it had some interesting aspects. But what I don't understand is why the maidens are the chorus. Why not Jocasta's entourage? Wouldn't it be better if they were involved in the tragedy or something?

I have 4 Euripides plays left, the next one is Orestes.

Finished Hecuba

It was mostly alright. I find it interesting that Hecuba should go to such lengths to avenge her sons but not her daughters, though it’s likely she was closer to them than the others.

I’ve also decided to change my note-taking apparatus, rather than writing down minuscule and- on the whole- banal quips, I will write mini-essays discussing the themes. Starting with this one.

Heracles Mad next.

Finished The Bacchantes

Something of a return to form for Euripides; probably because it seems quite scandalous of a subject. Secret, violent cults sounds like the subject matter of modern pulp fiction. But the missing bits really do take away from the fluidity of the story. Which is a great shame.

Hecuba is next.

Finished Andromache and Electra

Andro. was ok. Don’t have much to say except Euripedes is back on his woman-hating arc.

Electra was pretty interesting. I found Clytemnestra, again as in the Oresteia, to be particularly eye-catching. Even when she’s being held back by males, she can still hold the scene.

The Bacchantes is next (and I’m very interested in this one.)

Finished Helen

I think it is my favourite play so far. The opening lines will always stick in my head. Such a great distillation of trauma; not just of a single woman but how that trauma can affect an entire population/people. It dragged a bit towards the end but it was absolutely incredible.

Andromache is next.

Finished Ion

It was pretty funny. But still kind of mid.

Helen, which, knowing Euripedes, should be quite a doozy.

Finished The Trojan Women

“*Dost weep, my babe? dost know thy hapless fate? Why clutch me with thy hands and to my garment cling?*”

Amazing play. Possibly- required reading for the human race. Despite being so old and despite reading it not as the athenian audience would have, I think it makes a great anti-genocide statement. Which, sadly and apparently, people need nowadays.

Ion is next.

I did not like The Suppliants

It dragged on and was interesting but got a little “lost-in-the-sauce” towards the end. Had some amazing lines though.

The Trojan Women is next.

The Heracleidae was alright.

I was very entertained reading it, but did not like it very much. I think Euripides is the biggest misogynist so far. All the female characters, which actually have interesting facets, are pushed to the side: Macaria. Also, I think this is the most blatant piece of Athens propaganda I have yet seen.

Onto The Suppliants.

Finished Alcestis

I liked some parts and were baffled at others. It’s very different from other plays, likely because it was supposed to take the place of a satire which is why it ends on a happy note. It has some very touching moments. I do not know if I like it or not.

Heracleidæ is next.