Interpreting Greek Tragedy: Myth, Poetry, Text

by Charles Segal

This generous selection of published essays by the distinguished classicist Charles Segal represents over twenty years of critical inquiry into the questions of what Greek tragedy is and what it means for modern-day readers. Taken together, the essays reflect profound changes in the study of Greek tragedy in the United States during this period-in particular, the increasing emphasis on myth, psychoanalytic interpretation, structuralism, and semiotics.

Genres: Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1986

About the author

Charles Paul Segal was an American classicist renowned for his application of critical theory to ancient texts. Although his work spanned a variety of Latin and Greek genres, he is best known for his work on Greek tragedy. His most influential work is Tragedy and Civilization: an Interpretation of Sophocles (1981), in which he presents a structuralist approach to Greek theatre.

Reviews

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the top books I've read this year. Each essay is beautifully crafted and deeply insightful, and I can say I genuinely enjoyed each line. His interpretations show clearly his expertise in the subject; truly, I just loved this book. It is a joy to read in-depth a subject you adore, and no-one better to hear from than the authority in his field. The closing essay was beautiful. I absolutely loved this, to my own surprise.