Aeschylus II: The Suppliant Maidens, The Persians, Seven against Thebes, and Prometheus Bound (The Complete Greek Tragedies) : Book Review

"Aeschylus II" comprises three plays written by the ancient Greek tragedian Aeschylus. It includes the plays "The Suppliant Maidens," "The Persians," and "Seven Against Thebes." Each play explores different themes and offers valuable insights into ancient Greek culture and human nature.

"The Suppliant Maidens" centers around fifty daughters who seek refuge in Argos to escape forced marriage to their Egyptian cousins. This play delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the pursuit of honor, and the struggle for power. Through the characters' struggles, Aeschylus presents a thought-provoking commentary on societal norms and the lengths individuals will go to defend their rights and liberty.

In "The Persians," Aeschylus vividly recounts the defeat of the Persian Empire in the notable Battle of Salamis. The play examines the consequences of hubris, the impacts of war on both the victors and the defeated, and the fragile nature of power. By delving into the failures of one of the greatest empires in history, Aeschylus reminds us of the potential dangers of excessive pride and the gravity of our actions.

The final play in the collection, "Seven Against Thebes," showcases the conflict between two brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices, vying for control over Thebes. Here, Aeschylus explores themes of fate, destiny, and the repercussions of pride and vengeance. The play forces the audience to confront the consequences of personal choices and the inevitability of facing the outcomes of our actions.

As a whole, "Aeschylus II" highlights Aeschylus' prowess in crafting captivating narratives that delve into complex moral and philosophical themes. This collection offers readers a mesmerizing glimpse into ancient Greek society and its concerns. Despite being written centuries ago, these plays retain their relevance as they shed light on timeless lessons we can draw from the tragedies of the past. By examining the nuances of power, honor, pride, and destiny, Aeschylus invites readers to reflect on the nature of human existence and the universal struggles we all face.

What are readers saying?

Aeschylus II is a compilation of Greek tragedies penned by the renowned playwright Aeschylus. The response to the book on Goodreads has been varied, with readers offering different opinions on the content, translation, and overall quality of the work.

Some reviewers commend the collection for its profound themes and intricate storytelling. They appreciate Aeschylus' ability to tackle weighty topics such as fate, justice, and the essence of humanity. These readers find the plays intellectually stimulating and admire the author's skill in creating compelling narratives filled with intense emotions and moral dilemmas.

However, there are critics who express discontent with the translation of Aeschylus II. They argue that the language used feels outdated and excessively formal, hindering the reader's full immersion in the text. Some reviewers feel that the translation fails to capture the poetic beauty and power of the original Greek, resulting in a somewhat underwhelming reading experience.

Another point of contention among readers is the accessibility of the work. Some find the plays to be somewhat obscure and challenging to comprehend, especially if they lack prior knowledge of Greek mythology and culture. These readers suggest seeking supplementary materials or annotations to aid in understanding the context and references within the plays.

Regarding the physical presentation of the book, reviewers generally appreciate the informative introduction and translator's notes. These additions offer valuable insights into the historical and cultural background of the plays. However, some readers feel that the absence of footnotes or endnotes is a drawback, as they would have preferred more detailed explanations of certain nuances or references in the text.

AeschylusII ClassicLiterature GreekTragedy