Suppliants
📘 About This Book
Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 189'. Excerpt: ... Xer.: -- Strike thy hoary locks, And piteously lament the vanished host. Cho.: -- With vehemence, with vehemence and woe. Xer: -- And drench thine eyes Cho.: -- In tears my lids are steeped. Xer.: -- Lift the responsive wail Cho.: -- Alas alas Xer.: -- Move homeward now, and raise the mournful strain. Cho.: -- Alas I sigh to tread the Persian ground Xer.: -- Cry through the city, Cho.: -- Truly will I cry. Xer.: -- Wail as ye walk with measured step and slow. Cho.: -- Alas I sigh to tread the Persian ground Woe woe Xer.: -- Alas unutterably crushed Our friends from triple-benched vessels fell. Cho.: -- With sound of mourning thus I lead thee home. THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES. THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES The Argument. Polynices, son of iEdipus, exiled from Thebes by his brother Eteocles, who has assumed the throne, enlists the aid and sympathy of Adrastus, king of Argos. who sends an armament, led by six mighty chieftains, with Polynices the seventh, against Thebes, to compel the surrender of Eteocles. The army, however, is repulsed by the besieged, but Eteocles and Polynices are slain in the contest, each by the other's hand. The play concludes with the lamentations of Antigone and Ismene, sisters of the slain princes. Over the corpses of their brothers. Antigone boldly protesting against the public refusal of the Theban senators to allow honourable burial to the body of Polynices. PERSONS OF THE DRAMA. Eteocles. A Messenger A Herald. Antigone. Ismene. Chorus of Theban Virgins. Scene: --The Acropolis of Thebes. THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES Eteocles.: -- Ye citizens of Cadmus it is right That one should speak in season who defends The state, and from the poop controls the helm, Nor lulls his lids in slumber. Verily, If we succeed, the gods will be the cause. But if mishap befall (which...
📖 Summary
Suppliants by Aeschylus, published in 1975 across 126 pages, invites readers into the profound world of classical Greek tragedy revolving around the legendary character Danaus and his fleeing daughters. As a foundational piece of theatrical history, the text deals with themes of refuge, divine law, and the desperate pleas of the vulnerable seeking protection from unwanted unions. While cheap printings of older texts sometimes introduce printing errors, missing pages, or imperfections, publishers often provide avenues for buyers to access clean scanned archives of the original historical editions. The surviving text captures the intense vocal interplay and choral mastery characteristic of ancient drama, highlighting how collective lamentations and responsive wailing were used to convey deep communal grief and catastrophe. The dramatic structure brings to life the agony of those who must tread foreign ground, mourning fallen allies and navigating the harsh realities of displacement and political asylum. Through rhythmic chanting and solemn steps, the chorus reflects the weight of unutterable sorrow and the difficult journey toward a safe harbor. Readers engaging with this edition will find a glimpse into the tragic universe shaped by one of Greece's master dramatists, where supplication is both a sacred duty and a fraught political gamble. Whether one is studying the origins of Western theater or exploring the mythological roots surrounding Danaus, the work remains a vital piece of the classical canon, offering enduring insights into human vulnerability and the solemnity of sanctuary.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides access to a foundational work of classical antiquity
Explores timeless themes of asylum and sanctuary
Includes dramatic choral elements characteristic of ancient theater
Offers a connection to the legendary Danaus narrative
⚠️ Cons
Inexpensive editions may contain numerous typos or missing text
The fragmented nature of ancient texts can make the reading experience challenging
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who wrote Suppliants? +
The book was written by the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus.
When was this specific edition published? +
This edition was published in 1975.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book contains 126 pages.
What is the primary legend associated with the work? +
The narrative connects to the legendary character Danaus and his daughters.
Are there issues with the text quality in this edition? +
Budget printings of this text may feature typos or missing text, though publishers sometimes offer clean scanned copies to purchasers.
