Euripides and his Age
The work examines the life and significance of a prominent playwright from ancient Greece, emphasizing his complex legacy as both a poet and a thinker. It highlights his controversial status, often admired by poets yet criticized by scholars. Born in exile, he faced challenges during his lifetime, frequently losing state competitions despite gaining immense popularity. His plays, however, achieved lasting influence, with many surviving to modern times, surpassing those of his contemporaries. The text explores the duality of his existence as a product of a rich tradition and a rebel against it, reflecting the tensions of his era. It discusses the evolution of his style, noting his clarity and formalism, which later generations misinterpreted. The author argues that Euripides' works resonate with contemporary issues, revealing shared human experiences and ideals. The analysis aims to contextualize Euripides within the cultural and intellectual landscape of fifth-century Athens, examining his contributions to both tragedy and philosophical thought. The text underscores the importance of understanding his artistic conventions and the societal norms he critiqued, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the history of literature and thought. Ultimately, it seeks to reconcile his role as a traditional artist with his innovative spirit, offering insights into his enduring relevance.
By Gilbert Murray · First published 1907 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Classical Studies, Biography · 9 chapters · 56,513 words
First lines
Most of the volumes of this series are occupied with large subjects and subjects commonly recognized as important to great masses of people at the present day. In devoting the present volume to the study of a single writer, remote from us in time and civilization and scarcely known by more than name to many readers of the Library, I am moved by the belief that, quite apart from his disputed greatness as a poet and thinker, apart from his amazing and perhaps unparalleled success as a practical playwright, Euripides is a figure of high significance in the history of humanity and of special interest to our own generation.
What this Textopian page supports
Euripides and his Age is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gilbert Murray, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Gilbert Murray
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Classical Studies, Biography, History, Philosophy
- Length: 56,513 words
- Structure: 9 chapters, 495 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Euripides and his Age by Gilbert Murray
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Euripides and his Age?
- How does this novel by Gilbert Murray fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Criticism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- At The House Of Euripides by Frederic Manning
- A New Story And A New Character by George Bernard Shaw
- On Christopher Marlowe by Robert Graves
- Spenser And Othello by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- The Art Of Shakspere As Revealed By Himself by George Macdonald
- Homer And Classical Philology by Friedrich Nietzsche
Genres
- Literary Criticism — The book analyzes the works and influence of Euripides, focusing on literary analysis and critique.
- Classical Studies — It explores the historical and cultural context of Euripides' time, relevant to classical antiquity.
- Biography — The book provides insights into the life and personal background of Euripides.
- History — It discusses the historical period in which Euripides lived and wrote, providing a historical perspective.
Tags
Euripides · Greek tragedy · classical literature · ancient Greece · theater · drama · playwright · literary analysis · historical context · philosophy · mythology · cultural influence
Contents
- Introductory
- The Sources for a Life of Euripides: the Memories Remaining in the Fourth Century: his Youth and its Surroundings: Athens after the Persian War: the Great Sophists
- Life Continued: what is a Greek Tragedy? Euripides' Early Plays: "Alcestis" and "Telephus"
- Beginning of the War: the Plays of Maturity, "Medea" to "Heracles"
- Life Continued: the Embittering of the War: Alcibiades and the Demagogues: the "Ion": the "Trojan Women"
- After the "Trojan Women": Euripides' Last Years in Athens: from the "Iphigenia" to the "Orestes"
- Macedonia: the "Iphigenia in Aulis": the "Bacchae"
- The Art of Euripides: Ideal Form and Sincere Spirit: Prologue: Messenger: "Deus Ex Machina"
- The Art of Euripides Continued: the Chorus: Conclusion