Electra

· Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
64
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

Euripides' Electra is a play probably written in the mid 410s BC, likely before 413 BC. It is unclear whether it was first produced before or after Sophocles' version of the Electra story. The play begins with the introduction of Electra, the daughter of Clytemnestra and the late Agamemnon. Several years after Agamemnon's death suitors began requesting Electra's hand in marriage. Out of fear that Electra's child might seek revenge, Clytemnestra and Aegisthus married her off to a peasant of Mycenae. The peasant is kind to her and has respected her family name and her virginity. In return for his kindness, Electra helps her husband with the household chores. Despite her appreciation for her husband's kindness, Electra resents being cast out of her house and laments to the Chorus about her struggles with her drastic change in social status.

About the author

Euripides, born around 480 BCE on the island of Salamis, stands as one of the most influential tragedians of ancient Greece, alongside Aeschylus and Sophocles. His life unfolded during a period of immense cultural and political change, marked by the Peloponnesian War and the rise of Athens as a center of intellectual and artistic activity. Euripides was known for his innovative approach to drama, often focusing on the inner lives and psychological complexities of his characters, which was a departure from the more traditional, heroic portrayals of his contemporaries.Euripides' works frequently challenged societal norms and questioned the gods' morality, reflecting his skeptical and often controversial views on religion and the human condition. His portrayal of strong, complex female characters and his exploration of themes such as madness, revenge, and the darker aspects of human nature were revolutionary for his time and continue to resonate with modern audiences.Despite facing criticism and often finishing last in dramatic competitions, Euripides' influence grew posthumously. His plays have inspired countless adaptations and interpretations, influencing writers from Seneca to Shakespeare, and even modern playwrights. His ability to blend the personal with the universal, the tragic with the philosophical, ensures his enduring legacy in the canon of world literature. Euripides' life and work invite readers to explore the depths of human emotion and the complexities of moral dilemmas, making him a timeless figure in the history of drama.

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