Prometheus Bound and Other Plays

These 'new' translations of Aeschylus are really good. "Prometheus Bound" is such an incredible concept for a play. Prometheus himself is a fascinating character; surly to Hermes, who he treats as a mere lackey of Zeus. The action, such as it is, begins just as Prometheus is being shackled to the cliff face with "adamantine" chains, and it moves at a very fast pace. There are only a few characters, but a knowledge of some Greek mythology is helpful. Still, even those with only a rudimentary grasp of all that - like me - know that Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock because the latter gave man fire. As a Titan, Prometheus is contemptuous not just of Hermes but of Zeus himself - he, Prometheus, knows how Zeus's reign will end, a knowledge he says he will impart when Zeus unlocks the chains. The language is superb, the play quite short, and highly recommended. Alas, the other plays are but one part of trilogies Aeschylus wrote now lost to the world. Talk about tragedy! "Seven Against Thebes" is a stirring account of the end of the Oedipus curse as Thebes is under siege. It's amazing that after all he endures, Oedipus would still put his dying curse on his sons. This comes about "when his sons grudged him his place at home, Then in frenzy and with a bitter temper, alas! He hurled his curses upon them." "The Persians" has been justly praised throughout history as an example of someone finding the courage and humanity to see their existential enemy as humans, as it recounts the sorrow and lamentations of Persian women after the Battle of Salamis. Here Xerxes delivers a very Shakespearian line (perhaps Shakespeare delivered very Aeschuslyian lines?): "Break, heart; blow, tears, for ever." All of these translations read very well, and each play has terrific sections. I only wish there were more explanatory notes.

A great book of well known plays. My favorite being the Prometheus story. To fully grasp the lore of all the stories you would have to read several others, but don't let that deter you from picking this one up and adding it to your collection. Just do your research beforehand to ensure this book meets your needs.

Ok, missed these in college, but I think you have to read these, and quite frankly, they're a little better with some age on you. Prometheus Bound is more interesting after you have had a chance to watch people (perhaps yourself) let their ego run away with them and get them in horrible trouble. Otherwise, at 18-22 Prometheus is an unmittigated hero, and that's less interesting. As a bonus, Prometheus was used as a model for Milton's Satan, and that Satan is pretty much the coolest Devil. If the Fonz had a big brother, wouldn't you want to meet him? Fantastic lines in this one, and the translation is excellent. "Do you think I quake and cower before these upstart gods?" Use it in your next salary negotiation. The Suppliants is kind of a waste of time. It's obviously the introduction to the action, and not much to reflect on unless you know a woman in an unhappy marriage, and then you can supply them with the line, "I would rather meet my fate in a drawn noose/ Than give my flesh to a husband I abhor;/ Sooner let Death possess me!" That'll add zazz to any domestic argument. Seven Against Thebes is fantastic and serves as the end to the Oedipus trilogy if you want to read it that way. Lots of great slams on the boastful and praise to the quiet effective types. It's required reading. The Persians is great reading right now if you're not thrilled with the way America is headed under current leadership. It's about the most powerful empire in the world shattering its massive army in a war of folly. Superior wealth and technology (bridge of boats across the ocean) are squandered in the wastelands. It's from the point of view of the losers, and I can't help but think it's cautionary to the Greeks rather than celebratory. America should read it that way as well. It's eerily relevant. I read this passage this morning and it gave me the creeps: (Mother of Xerxes's premonition concerning the fall of the Persian empire) I saw an eagle fly for refuge to Apollo's hearth. I watched, speechless with terror; then a falcon came, and swooped with rushing wings, and with his talons clawed the eagle's head; it, unresisting, cowered there, offering itself to wounds. Not good for us, not good at all. In any case, just about every page has some piece of wisdom on it, and the translation here puts the the thought with the perfect words. If you're enjoying Shakespeare or KJV right now but want a different flavor, give Aeschylus a shot. He has a strong grasp on the mind of the king and the burden of leadership, more so than WS. There's also a sophisticated view of how real democracy lends strength to a society, in a way that resonates with an adult brain that has become jaded on jingoism.

I bought this book because my course demanded it, but I've actually found myself really enjoying the content! The layout is clear and easy to follow. There is a short introduction and a short bank of notes at the back. Being a Penguin product, the book itself is very good quality and arrived on time and in great condition. This really is the bare text though- if you want additional critical reading, context or commentary you might need other books as well.

Uitstekend. Was een kado en de ontvanger was erg blij.

Harken thee unto the mighty boom! The lighting god sends utter doom! In deepest sorrow, fearsome darkness and agony unending, thus wilt thou suffer Zeus’ tyranny unbending!

Maybe not the most mainstream of Aeschylus' plays (or the most lengthy) but each of these are well worth a read. The translation is pukka and if Aeschylus isn't nodding up in Olympus then I'm David Cameron.

The translations of Greek drama I have read so far (very few admittedly) by Philip Vellacott are excellent- in terms of how accurate I can't say either way (I don't speak Greek) but in terms of beauty of the language I have enjoyed it very much.