The Seven Against Thebes | 
pickThe tragic Greek version of Succession. I think it's good, but there's quite a bit going on & that sometimes dilutes the sense of pathos. And this isn't Aeschylus' fault, obviously, but it's the last play in a trilogy with the first two lost, so being plunged in medias res here is more out of circumstance than intention. I greatly enjoyed the Chorus; Eteocles is your usual sexist jerk & they're like, "Listen to women, though you like it not".
batsy Though I'm definitely simplifying that too much—there appears to be a deeper debate going on between Eteocles & the Chorus in terms of rationality vs traditional forms of religious worship; of fate & action. How much do the gods decide & how do we let them? Can you be both practical & pious? It's kind of amazing how these issues continue to immediately relevant. I read this in the David Grene translation. 3y
Centique I have not read Aeschylus but you are making me want to with this review! I remember that feeling in high school of shock, my god, these ancient Greeks were talking about the same things we still talk about. Classical studies 🙌🙌 3y
Graywacke I‘m pretty sure i read this and pretty sure I did not pick up on that practical vs pious element. Interesting post! 3y
batsy @Centique I know, right! I feel the same. I was doing a pretty intensive Greek tragedy undergrad course where Medea was giving me vivid nightmares for a week 😳 This is why we love to read 😅 3y
batsy @Graywacke Thank you! It was a pretty intriguing undercurrent with Eteocles being very much a rationalist vs the "hysterical", gods-fearing Chorus and I found it really fascinating. 3y
