Reviews

Electra And Other Plays by Sophocles, E.F. Watling

bgallmeister's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this for comparison with the new translations of Ajax, Philoctetes and Women of Trachis by Bryan Doerries. I found this one to be more "classic" and the Doerries more relevant to life today--no surprise. Not sure what exactly the difference is.

sjbozich's review against another edition

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5.0

A more modern translation, using blank verse, and feels like it lacks any link to the original Greek meter.
But flows well while reading it.
Use of modern language - like "What the hell!" and "Hey, look at me! Who do you think you're talking to?"
Good Intro, Explanatory Notes at the bottom of the text's pages, and Textual Notes at the back of the volume.
I tend to prefer these Hackett translations.

gaymidna524's review against another edition

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3.0

Classics. Just fine! Nothin' wrong with 'em. Made me feel fancy reading my little paperback on the train. I think Philoctetes was my favorite. Really hit home with that "you're destined to live the same miserable way if you don't try to grow" ideology/trauma plotline. I think I'm going to have to loop back around and reread these sometime to really grasp them a bit better.

elsalfreda's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

gabrielrobartes's review against another edition

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3.0

'Ajax' and 'Electra' are splendid. 'Women of Trachis' and 'Philoctetes' are a little harder to love.

elydy's review

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4.0

I found these more compelling than i thought I would - the plays are snappy and emotionally charged! Fascinating as always to read something so ancient.

cherryghost15's review against another edition

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School copy.

ianmrowland's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Impossible for me to rate so an average rating is given. This is my first time reading classical Greek drama and found it enjoyable and captivating. The plays all relate to the Trojan war in some guise or other, even the Thracian Women sets up the denouement of Philoctetes with the death of Heracles. The style is different and allows one to see how drama has changed over the centuries and the material adds to one’s understanding of Greek myths.
Very enjoyable

constantinek's review against another edition

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2 copies

lukija's review against another edition

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5.0

Olen niin iloinen, että Teos kustantaa näitä antiikin kirjallisuuden käännöksiä. Jälleen yksi todella tyylikäs kokoelma. Nämä Sofokleen aiemmin suomentamattomat tragediat ovat huippuja (ainakin minulle ja joo... mä todella fanitan antiikin kirjallisuutta). Paljon inhimillisiä tunteita tiiviissä ilmaisussa ja lukija joutuu käymään läpi eettisiä/moraalisia pohdintoja lukukokemuksen aikana. Huvitti yksi deus ex machina loppu. Kokonaisuudessaan laadukkaasti toimitettu näytelmätekstien kokonaisuus.

Kirjoitin tästä myös blogiini: https://kosminenk.blogspot.com/2021/07/sofokles-traakhiin-neidot-aias.html