The Greek tragedy "Electra" was written by Euripides in 410 B.C. There is a work with the same name by Sophocles but it was never determined which one was written first. The plot happened even before the Trojan war. Agamemnon decided, under the influence of goddess Artemis, to sacrifice his daughter Iphigeneia. In return, the goddess would give enough wind for the Greeks to sail to … [Read more...]
Euripides
Euripides was one of the most famous Greek authors.There is not a lot of saved information about Euripides, probably one of the reasons for this is his lack of interest for engaging in politics.
He was working as an ambassador in Sicily, considered to be the owner of a house library because of his extreme wealth and education.
He received his education from several different teachers, including famous Socrates as well. Considering his private life and the date of birth,a lot of information are disputable.
One of the sources indicate him being born near the Salamina somewhere in the time of the famous battle being led nearby, and the others believe he was born as the citizen of Athens, 484. B.C.
It is believed he won four or five times at the drama festivals, first time with the lost drama "The Daughters of Pelizaeus", in 484. B.C.
He leaves Athens 403. B.C. at the invitation of Macedonian king Archelaus, and he allegedly died there as well in 406. B. C.
He is considered to be the author of some 90 different plays. Exact number remains unknown because for some of them authorship isn't determined. Although, only nineteen of them are kept until today.
In his dramas gods are losing their leading roles, gain some imperfections and lose the spotless images. Euripides equalizes them with humans, entering monologs in his dramas and uses the common language without adding irrelevant figures and descriptions. He is also being considered as a founder of psychological drama.
Some of the researchers tell about his huge post-mortem popularity, although he hasn't been very popular during his lifetime among the public of Athens. He remains one of the most influencing tragedy writers of all times, although he got recognized after he deceased.
One of his most famous and saved works are "Medea", "The Children of Hercules", "Hipolit", "Electra", "Troians"
Medea
A tragedy "Medea" was staged for the first time in 431 B.C. Medea is the first part of a trilogy followed by the dramas "Philoctetes" and "Dyctis". The author got inspired by the story originated from Greek mythology, questioning love and morality in marriage. This play is a psychological analysis of a woman who at first felt great, real love which escalated into the uncontrollable … [Read more...]