The Oresteia

Discover the profound beauty of Aeschylus' The Oresteia, a masterpiece of ancient Greek theatre and the only surviving trilogy from antiquity. Translated by the acclaimed Robert Fagles and enhanced with insights from W.B. Stanford, this trade paperback edition published by Penguin Classics offers an in-depth exploration of themes such as vengeance, justice, and the evolution of society. The Oresteia unfolds as a powerful narrative of the royal family of Argos, detailing their harrowing journey from a cycle of violence to the dawn of democracy. Experience the intense tragedy of Agamemnon, where a father's sacrifice leads to devastating consequences and the haunting legacy of familial duty. Follow Orestes in The Libation Bearers as he confronts moral dilemmas and vengeance after his mother's treachery. Conclude the journey with The Eumenides, where divine conflict reflects the struggle between fate and free will. This essential addition to any literature lover's collection also includes a comprehensive glossary and notes that enrich your reading experience. Ideal for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of Greek drama, The Oresteia offers a lens through which to understand the roots of Western literature and philosophy. With FREE shipping and a convenient trade paperback format, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in this timeless classic. Explore themes of loyalty, justice, and societal foundations in this compelling tragedy of humanity's enduring struggles.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780140443332
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 1978
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Pages: 336


Description:
The only trilogy in Greek drama that survives from antiquity, Aeschylus' The Oresteia is translated by Robert fagles with an introduction, notes and glossary written in collaboration with W.B. Stanford in Penguin Classics.

In the Oresteia Aeschylus addressed the bloody chain of murder and revenge within the royal family of Argos. As they move from darkness to light, from rage to self-governance, from primitive ritual to civilized institution, their spirit of struggle and regeneration becomes an everlasting song of celebration. In Agamemnon, a king's decision to sacrifice his daughter and turn the tide of war inflicts lasting damage on his family, culminating in a terrible act of retribution; The Libation Bearers deals with the aftermath of Clytemnestra's regicide, as her son Orestes sets out to avenge his father's death; and in The Eumenides, Orestes is tormented by supernatural powers that can never be appeased. Forming an elegant and subtle discourse on the emergence of Athenian democracy out of a period of chaos and destruction, The Oresteia is a compelling tragedy of the tensions between our obligations to our families and the laws that bind us together as a society.

Aeschylus (525-456 BC) was born near Athens. He wrote more than seventy plays, of which seven have survived, all translated for Penguin Classics- The Supplicants, The Persians, Seven Against Thebes, Prometheus Bound, Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers and The Eumenides.

If you enjoyed The Oresteia, you might like Euripides' Medea and Other Plays, also available in Penguin Classics.

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