Prometheus Bound and Other Plays by Aeschylus (Penguin Classics)

Description

“Prometheus Bound and Other Plays” is a collection of ancient Greek tragedies written by Aeschylus. The Penguin Classics edition typically includes several of Aeschylus’s works, including “Prometheus Bound,” “The Suppliants,” “Seven Against Thebes,” and “The Persians.” Let’s briefly explore each of these plays:

1. “Prometheus Bound”: This play is the most famous in the collection and focuses on the mythological figure Prometheus, a Titan who defied Zeus by stealing fire and giving it to humanity. As punishment, Prometheus is bound to a rock, and throughout the play, he endures torture and engages in philosophical discussions with various characters. The play explores themes of rebellion, suffering, and the enduring spirit of human resistance.
2. “The Suppliants” (also known as “The Suppliant Maidens”): This play tells the story of the fifty daughters of Danaus, who flee Egypt to escape forced marriages to their fifty cousins, the sons of Aegyptus. They seek asylum in Argos and must convince the Argive king, Pelasgus, to protect them. The play explores themes of refugees seeking protection and the tension between loyalty to family and loyalty to the state.
3. “Seven Against Thebes”: This tragedy is part of Aeschylus’s trilogy, “The Oresteia,” which also includes “Agamemnon” and “The Eumenides.” “Seven Against Thebes” dramatizes the conflict between the two sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polynices, who lead opposing armies in a battle for control of Thebes. The play explores themes of fate, family, and the consequences of past actions.
4. “The Persians”: “The Persians” is unique among ancient Greek tragedies because it deals with contemporary historical events. It portrays the Persian defeat at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE from the perspective of the Persian court. The play explores themes of hubris, pride, and the consequences of imperial ambitions.

These plays are significant not only for their literary and dramatic qualities but also for their exploration of fundamental themes of human existence, ethics, and the relationship between individuals and the divine. Aeschylus is considered one of the great tragedians of ancient Greece, and his works continue to be studied and performed today for their enduring insights into the human condition.