Hecuba

Summary

The tragedy «Hecuba» by Euripides tells the story of Hecuba, the widow of the Trojan king Priam, after the fall of Troy. Hecuba becomes a captive of the Greeks and endures numerous tragic events. She learns of the death of her daughter Polyxena, sacrificed at Achilles' tomb. Then she discovers the body of her son Polydorus, murdered by the greedy Thracian king Polymestor, to whom he had been entrusted. In despair and anger, Hecuba takes revenge on Polymestor by blinding him and killing his children. The tragedy raises themes of revenge, suffering, and the destruction of human lives in the context of war.

Main Ideas

• Tragedy and suffering: The main theme of the play is the tragedy and suffering experienced by Hecuba after the fall of Troy and the death of her children.
• Revenge and justice: Hecuba seeks revenge for the murder of her son Polydorus and the cruel treatment of her daughter Polyxena, raising questions about justice and morality.
• Fate and the gods: The play explores the role of fate and divine intervention in human affairs, showing how divine forces can influence people's lives.
• Human cruelty: Euripides highlights the cruelty and inhumanity displayed by both victors and the vanquished in war.
• Maternal love and grief: Hecuba embodies maternal love and grief, showing how these emotions can lead to desperate and decisive actions.

Historical Context and Significance

«Hecuba» by Euripides is a tragedy written in the 5th century BCE that explores themes of revenge, suffering, and moral decline. The play is set after the fall of Troy and focuses on the fate of Hecuba, the widow of the Trojan king Priam. The work holds significant historical importance as it reflects Greek notions of fate, justice, and human nature. The play's influence on culture is evident in its impact on subsequent literary and dramatic works, as well as its role in shaping the genre of tragedy. «Hecuba» continues to be studied and performed on stages worldwide, demonstrating its enduring relevance and power.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Hecuba — the former queen of Troy, wife of Priam. After the fall of Troy, she becomes a slave to the Greeks. In the play, she is portrayed as a woman experiencing deep sorrow and suffering, yet maintaining dignity and strength of spirit. Hecuba avenges Polymestor for the murder of her son Polydorus, showing determination and ruthlessness.
• Polyxena — daughter of Hecuba and Priam. She is sacrificed at Achilles' tomb. Polyxena is depicted as a noble and brave girl who accepts her fate with dignity and courage.
• Polydorus — the youngest son of Hecuba and Priam. He is killed by Polymestor to seize his treasures. Polydorus appears at the beginning of the play as a ghost, recounting his fate.
• Polymestor — the Thracian king who kills Polydorus for his treasures. At the end of the play, he is blinded and killed by Hecuba and other Trojan captives in revenge for his betrayal.
• Odysseus — a Greek hero who plays an important role in deciding Polyxena's fate. He is portrayed as a pragmatic and calculating man, willing to commit cruel acts to achieve his goals.

Interesting Facts

• The play «Hecuba» is one of Euripides' tragedies, written in the 5th century BCE.
• The main character, Hecuba, was the wife of the Trojan king Priam and the mother of many children, including Hector and Paris.
• The play takes place after the fall of Troy, when Hecuba becomes a captive of the Greeks.
• One of the central themes of the play is revenge: Hecuba avenges Polymestor for the murder of her son Polydorus.
• The play explores themes of suffering, cruelty, and moral decline in the context of war.
• «Hecuba» also raises questions about justice and divine retribution, which were characteristic of Euripides' tragedies.

Book Review

Euripides' tragedy «Hecuba» is one of the most striking examples of ancient Greek drama, exploring themes of revenge, suffering, and human cruelty. Critics note the deep psychological portrayal of the characters, especially the main character Hecuba, whose transformation from queen to avenger evokes strong emotions in the audience. Euripides masterfully conveys the tragedy of Hecuba's situation, having lost her children and being forced to fight for justice. Special attention is given to scenes where the contrast between human kindness and cruelty is evident, highlighting the complexity and multifaceted nature of human character. Critics also note that the play addresses timeless questions of morality and justice, making it relevant even today.