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reynaisland's review against another edition
2.0
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.
benedettal's review against another edition
3.0
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.
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