Joshua Pray answers “I've never read a Greek play before, is it...”

Amaryllis (Amy) Washington asked this question about The Oresteia: Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, The Eumenides:

I've never read a Greek play before, is it told like a script for a regular play or is it more similar to poetry?

Joshua Pray They are written as scripts, with only dialogue and some stage direction. On the point of poetry, though, the Chorus is a vital part of Greek tragedy …moreThey are written as scripts, with only dialogue and some stage direction. On the point of poetry, though, the Chorus is a vital part of Greek tragedy -- often giving background information, parsing through the actions of the play so far and interacting (not jarringly, though) with the audience -- and their lines were meant to be sung. This means that in many translations, these lines will be metrical, rhyming or both -- like poetry.

I very highly recommend diving in and reading these. They give incredible insight into the views and customs of this ancient world, and are beautifully artful to boot. But that's really only half the game, as there's also not only nothing wrong with watching them as well, but it is perhaps essential, as these works were meant to be performed.

Enjoy!(less)

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