Andromache

Summary

«Andromache» is a tragedy by Euripides that tells the story of Andromache, the widow of Hector, after the fall of Troy. She becomes a slave to Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles, and bears him a son, Molossus. However, Neoptolemus's wife, Hermione, is jealous of Andromache and seeks to kill her and her son. Andromache seeks refuge in the temple of Thetis, but she is still found. The intervention of Peleus, Neoptolemus's grandfather, saves Andromache and her son. At the end of the tragedy, a messenger arrives with news of Neoptolemus's death, killed at Delphi. Andromache and her son gain freedom and protection from the king of Molossia.

Main Ideas

• The tragedy of fate and inevitability: Andromache, the widow of Hector, faces insurmountable challenges and suffering after the fall of Troy.
• Conflict between personal and societal interests: characters are forced to choose between their personal feelings and their duties to society.
• The role of women in society: the tragedy highlights the position of women in ancient Greek society, their vulnerability, and dependence on men.
• Revenge and justice: the theme of revenge runs throughout the play, showing how the desire for vengeance can destroy lives.
• Divine intervention: the gods play a crucial role in the fates of the characters, emphasizing the idea that human life is under the control of higher powers.

Historical Context and Significance

Euripides' «Andromache» is a tragedy written in the 5th century BCE that explores the aftermath of the Trojan War through the fate of Andromache, Hector's widow. The play examines themes of slavery, revenge, and female resilience. It holds significant historical importance as it reflects the social and political realities of ancient Greek society, as well as their views on war and its consequences. The influence of this tragedy on culture is evident in its impact on subsequent literary and dramatic works, as well as its role in shaping the Western tradition of tragedy.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Andromache — the widow of Hector, captured after the fall of Troy. She lives in the house of Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles, and raises his son Molossus. Andromache suffers from her fate and tries to protect her son from the threat posed by Hermione and Menelaus.
• Neoptolemus — the son of Achilles, who took Andromache captive and made her his concubine. He is married to Hermione, but their marriage is unhappy. Neoptolemus travels to Delphi, where he is killed at the instigation of Orestes.
• Hermione — the daughter of Menelaus and Helen, wife of Neoptolemus. She is jealous of Andromache and hates her, seeking to kill her and her son. Eventually, Hermione flees with Orestes, who was her former fiancé.
• Menelaus — the king of Sparta, father of Hermione. He comes to Neoptolemus and supports his daughter in her efforts to get rid of Andromache. Menelaus is cruel and ruthless towards the captive.
• Peleus — the grandfather of Neoptolemus, an old and wise king. He protects Andromache and her son from Menelaus and Hermione, showing nobility and justice.
• Orestes — the son of Agamemnon, former fiancé of Hermione. He kills Neoptolemus at Delphi and takes Hermione with him to marry her.

Style and Technique

Euripides' «Andromache» is written in the genre of tragedy, characteristic of ancient Greek literature. The style of the work is marked by high poeticism and drama, achieved through the use of choral parts, monologues, and dialogues. The language of the tragedy is rich with metaphors, epithets, and allusions to mythological plots. Literary devices include irony, antithesis, and tragic paradox. The structure of the narrative is traditional for Greek tragedy: prologue, parodos (introductory song of the chorus), episodes (main scenes), stasima (choral songs between episodes), and exodus (concluding part). The central themes of the work — fate, revenge, honor, and suffering — are revealed through the complex relationships of the characters and their internal conflicts.

Interesting Facts

• «Andromache» is a tragedy that explores the consequences of the Trojan War for women, especially for Andromache, Hector's widow.
• In the play, Andromache becomes a slave to Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles, and the mother of his son Molossus.
• One of the central conflicts of the play is the enmity between Andromache and Hermione, the wife of Neoptolemus.
• The play also touches on the theme of revenge, as Menelaus and Hermione plan to kill Andromache and her son.
• The god Apollo appears at the end of the play to resolve the conflict and predict the future of the characters.

Book Review

Euripides' «Andromache» is a tragedy that explores themes of love, jealousy, revenge, and fate. Critics note that Euripides masterfully depicts the internal conflicts of the characters, especially Andromache, Hector's widow, and her struggle for survival in a foreign land. The play also raises questions about the role of women in society and their limited opportunities. Some critics believe that Euripides uses this tragedy to critique the social and political norms of his time. At the same time, the play demonstrates complex relationships between characters, making it relevant even today. Overall, «Andromache» is considered one of Euripides' significant works, continuing to spark interest and discussion among scholars and audiences.