The Andromache has long been disparaged despite being a brilliant piece of theatre. In this book Dr Allan draws attention to the neglected artistry of this very impressive and intriguing text. Through careful analysis the Andromache emerges as a play that poses fundamental questions, especially about the polarity of Greek and barbarian, and the morality of the gods. Dr Allan shows how the play also challenges revenge as a motive for action, and explores the role of women as wives, mothers, and victims of war, be they Greek or Trojan, victorious or defeated. These are among the central concerns that make the Andromache a moving and thought-provoking tragedy, full of suffering, suspense, and moral interest. This book contributes both to an appreciation of the Andromache in its own right, and to a wider understanding of the variety and quality of Euripides' uvre.

In "Andromache", Euripides depicts the aftermath of the Trojan war, when Andromache, the widow of Hector, has a fruitful, but illicit affair with the son of Achilles. The ensuing power-struggle with Hermione, the wronged wife, is re-told in this collaboration between a poet and a classicist.

The book is written mainly for students to enable them better to appreciate and enjoy Euripides' Andromache. Its presentation seeks to combine depth of analysis with clarity and accessibility. It discusses Greek theatre and performance, the myth behind the play, and the literary, intellectual, and political context in which it was written and first performed. The book provides analyses of the various characters, and highlights the play's ambiguities and complexities. What makes Andromache of special interest is the fact that, of the 32 extant tragedies, it might have been originally produced outside Athens. This in turn leads the discussion of how the play's scrutiny of the Spartan characters affected the off-stage audience. Andromache is the only play that portrays the human toll caused by the Trojan War to both the Trojan and the Greek sides. After the Fall of Troy, Andromache, former wife of Hector, has been given to Neoptolemus, Achilles' son, as a war-prize. Andromache bore Neoptolemus a son, Molossus, before Neoptolemus married Hermione, the daughter of Menelaus and Helen. While Neoptolemus is away, Menelaus and Hermione attempt to kill Andromache and Molossus, causing a rift between the two families who were the major players in the War: the house of Atreus and the house of Peleus, father of Achilles. Although Neoptolemus is murdered, the play ends with a prophecy for the future of the line of descent of Peleus and Thetis in the form of the blessed kingdom of Molossia.

Peace had arrived once more to the port and village of Hippolyta. The rogue Vandal army had been destroyed, and Vinzenz the evil commander in the Vandal army had been burned at the stake the previous night. Queen Echephyle and Queen Hippolyte had started their punishment for defying Hippolyta, Queen of all Amazons. They almost got Danilo the barbarian and Queen Andromache killed by not affording them an escort when returning from the imminent battle in the east. As it was every morning the first meal of the day was eaten in the council room before the daily tasks were talked about. What they did not know was Adalric was about to be crowned King of the Astro Goths and while it was taking place a Goth General was going to use the confusion to his advantage. A Goth messenger arrived during the meeting warning of an impending conflict after the Goth armies had been attacked in the south of their realm. By the laws of the treaty between Hippolyta, Queen of all Amazons and the Goth realm, she was committed to help them.

Diane Arnson Svarlien's translation of Euripides' Andromache, Hecuba, and Trojan Women exhibits the same scholarly and poetic standards that have won praise for her Alcestis, Medea, Hippolytus. Ruth Scodel's Introduction examines the cultural and political context in which Euripides wrote, and provides analysis of the themes, structure, and characters of the plays included. Her notes offer expert guidance to readers encountering these works for the first time.

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