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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
"Hail! Swift Phoenician ship from Sidon, with oars that beat so dear to Nereus' waves, dance-leader of the skilful dolphins when the sea is windless and still..."
Worth reading for that line alone. Interesting reinterpretation of the story of Helen, drawing from Stesichorus as opposed to Homer etc. Ends in classic Euripides fashion with a deux ex machina, really removing any semblance of "tragedy."
Worth reading for that line alone. Interesting reinterpretation of the story of Helen, drawing from Stesichorus as opposed to Homer etc. Ends in classic Euripides fashion with a deux ex machina, really removing any semblance of "tragedy."
read Emily Wilson's translation in 'The Greek Plays" new translations edited by Mary Lefkowitz and James Romm
the misogyny, not like other girls, is strong in this one folks
the misogyny, not like other girls, is strong in this one folks
In a twist on the Trojan war, Paris unknowingly takes a "puppet" version of Helen, while the real Helen is whisked off to Egypt in hiding. Now, after the war, Helen comes across a shipwrecked stranger dressed in sailcloth, who looks an awful lot like her long lost husband, Menelaus.
In other retellings of this myth, it was always the question- is Helen responsible for this war? Euripides' 'Helen' explores one of the most spineless answers to that question. An answer that fills in the plot holes and absolves characters of their flaws, at the expense of the very stuff that makes the Trojan War a compelling story.
In other retellings of this myth, it was always the question- is Helen responsible for this war? Euripides' 'Helen' explores one of the most spineless answers to that question. An answer that fills in the plot holes and absolves characters of their flaws, at the expense of the very stuff that makes the Trojan War a compelling story.
This read like the prototype of the Shakespearian problem play. I was waiting for the tragedy to happen but it simply never did. But that’s not a bad thing, although it certainly made this play feel more shallow than your average Euripides.
I really enjoyed Helen’s monologue at the beginning. I am very partial to her portrayal as the victim in the whole golden apple game and I like to think of her relationship with Menelaus as a loving one, so those were immediately extra points scored. Her condemnation of the war and of her vilification is very powerful and modern, but that’s kind of expected with Euripides so I can’t say I was particularly impressed. Still, he can write a female character, and Helen is for once one who is actually innocent and just clever. I love that for her. But still, I kinda like my greek tragedies better when they’re bloodier.
I really enjoyed Helen’s monologue at the beginning. I am very partial to her portrayal as the victim in the whole golden apple game and I like to think of her relationship with Menelaus as a loving one, so those were immediately extra points scored. Her condemnation of the war and of her vilification is very powerful and modern, but that’s kind of expected with Euripides so I can’t say I was particularly impressed. Still, he can write a female character, and Helen is for once one who is actually innocent and just clever. I love that for her. But still, I kinda like my greek tragedies better when they’re bloodier.
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.
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
medium-paced
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes