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phoenix2's review against another edition
3.0
One of my favourite classical, ancient writings. The story is very interesting, a twist of the classical tale. The ending is particularly thrilling, as you are anticipating the recognition scene.
b_austridge's review against another edition
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
vaporization's review against another edition
3.0
Euripides is definitely my favorite of the Greek playwrights I've read so far. This one is pretty good and an interesting take on Helen and her story. She is again victim to "Fate" and "necessity" (as in Gorgias' Encomium) but in this, Fate ends up having good plans for her in the end.
Menelaus: You look exactly like my wife.
Helen: And you look exactly like my husband.
Menelaus: Yeah. Shame you're not her though.
funny to compare this to Penelope and Odysseus
Menelaus: You look exactly like my wife.
Helen: And you look exactly like my husband.
Menelaus: Yeah. Shame you're not her though.
funny to compare this to Penelope and Odysseus
glazedpotat11's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ichirofakename's review against another edition
2.0
Doesn't really work for me. Choruses weak and boring. Plot ridiculous. Just like Iphigenia in Tauris, a Homeric tale is reworked via god magic. This time Helen it turns out never went to Troy, ending up in Egypt instead, as a phantom replica goes to Troy. Making the Trojan War even more pointless. Menelaus finds her and brings her home, escaping the clutches of the king of Egypt. Romance, not tragedy. Read the other one instead.
georgia_hadj's review against another edition
5.0
Ακόμα ένα πολύ ωραίο έργο από τον Ευριπίδη. Ένα έργο που για ακόμα φορά δείχνει πόσο μάταια γίνεται ένας πόλεμος.
overdramaticsoprano's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
asha1891's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
adaora_ble's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I try to judge ancient plays on a different scale because I'm A) from a different time, place and culture than the target audience and B) I'm reading a play that I'm supposed to be watching which definitely changes how we interpret it but also there are Greek Tragedies that I really love and find really good and well written. This is not one of them. Sorry to Euripides but not his best work in my opinion although he does a good job of highlighting the danger Helen is in every time she leaves her tomb sanctuary.
Also besides from just the actual play itself, I'm just not a fan of this version of the story where Helen was never in Troy to begin with. Sure it makes the tragedies more tragic and the gods come off quite badly fr to k this side of history making so many people fight and die for a decade because of a name but also I think (kidnapped) Helen being in Troy is also tragic, only this time tragic for just her. And if we're going by the runway Helen version, why let her off scott free from a war she caused or at least partially.
So yeah not a fan of this one, he's done better but this was definitely above Trojan Women which I also don't like.
Also besides from just the actual play itself, I'm just not a fan of this version of the story where Helen was never in Troy to begin with. Sure it makes the tragedies more tragic and the gods come off quite badly fr to k this side of history making so many people fight and die for a decade because of a name but also I think (kidnapped) Helen being in Troy is also tragic, only this time tragic for just her. And if we're going by the runway Helen version, why let her off scott free from a war she caused or at least partially.
So yeah not a fan of this one, he's done better but this was definitely above Trojan Women which I also don't like.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Violence, War, Animal death, Trafficking, Slavery, Xenophobia, and Confinement