Cyclops / Alcestis / Medea : Book Review

"Cyclops/Alcestis/Medea" is a captivating compilation of three plays by Euripides, skillfully translated by the renowned poet and playwright, David Kovacs. Through these thought-provoking stories, readers are transported to the world of ancient Greece and encounter three significant characters from Greek mythology.

The collection begins with "Cyclops," a satyr play that follows the adventures of Odysseus and his encounter with Polyphemus, the one-eyed monster. This play highlights the struggles of Odysseus as he faces off against the formidable Cyclops, showcasing themes of bravery, wit, and survival.

Moving on to "Alcestis," a tragic play, the focus shifts to King Admetus and his wife, Alcestis. The play explores the depths of self-sacrificing love as Alcestis willingly sacrifices herself to save her husband's life. The emotional journey of the characters and the examination of love, loyalty, and mortality make this play deeply moving and memorable.

Finally, the collection concludes with "Medea," one of Euripides' most famous works. This play delves into the powerful emotions and actions of the vengeful sorceress, Medea. The exploration of jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences of extreme actions make this play a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.

David Kovacs' translation captures the essence and poetic beauty of Euripides' original texts. His footnotes and commentary provide valuable insights into the historical and mythological context, enriching the reading experience. It allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of ancient Greece and gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.

What are readers saying?

The book "Cyclops, Alcestis, Medea" by Euripides has garnered diverse reviews from readers on Goodreads. Some readers praised the captivating and thought-provoking nature of the plays, while others found them challenging to understand and connect with.

Many readers appreciated the depth and complexity of the stories presented in the book. They admired Euripides' ability to delve into the human psyche and tackle profound themes such as love, betrayal, and the nature of power. Reviewers also noted that the plays offered insightful commentary on ancient Greek society and its treatment of women, highlighting the timeless relevance of Euripides' works.

Conversely, some readers struggled to fully grasp the meaning and message of the plays. They found the language and dialogue to be archaic and difficult to follow, which hindered their overall enjoyment. Additionally, a prior understanding of Greek mythology and history would have enhanced their reading experience, according to some reviewers.

Several readers commended the character development, particularly in the play "Medea." They applauded how Euripides portrayed Medea's complex emotions, making her a multidimensional and relatable character. The intense emotions and moral dilemmas faced by the characters resonated with many readers and added depth to their reading experience.

However, a few reviewers felt disconnected from the characters and struggled to empathize with them. They noted that the plays lacked relatability to their own lives and had difficulty finding relevance in the themes presented. Some readers felt that the plays were too focused on the ancient Greek context, making it challenging to connect with the characters and their struggles.

#GreekMythology #AncientGreekTragedy #ClassicLiterature