Seven Against Thebes

Main Ideas

• Conflict between duty and personal feelings: the heroes face a choice between defending their native city and personal ambitions.
• Theme of fate and inevitability: fate plays a crucial role in the unfolding events, showing how predestination affects the characters' lives.
• Brotherly feud: the confrontation between Eteocles and Polynices, leading to tragic consequences.
• Heroism and self-sacrifice: characters demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice themselves for the common good and the city's defense.
• Role of gods and religion: gods influence events and characters' decisions, emphasizing the importance of religious rituals and faith.
• Political and military strategy: description of the siege of Thebes and tactics used to defend the city.
• Moral and ethical dilemmas: characters face difficult choices that challenge their moral principles.