Interpreting Greek Tragedy: Myth, Poetry, Text

Cornell Paperbacks. Softcover volume, measuring approximately 6.25" x 9.25", is in fine condition. 384 pages.

"This generous selection of published essays by the distinguished classicist Charles Segal represents over twenty years of critical inquiry into what Greek tragedy is and what it means for modern-day readers. Taken together, the essays reflect profound changes in the study of Greek tragedy in the United States during this period -- in particular, the increasing emphasis on myth, psychoanalytic interpretation, structuralism, and semiotics.
Ranging from close readings of individual plays -- including "Antigone," "Hippolytus," "Helen," and "Bacchae" -- to broadly based discussions of Greek tragedy as a whole. Segal explores the nature of literary interpretation as applied to classical texts. By looking closely at poetic language, artistic design, and mythical components, he brings out both the intellectual subtlety and the emotional and moral power that characterize this uniqe dramatic form. While keenly aware of the difficulties involved in viewing the ancient plays from a contemporary perspective, Segal demonstrates through his essays that Greek tragedy remains open to many different modes of interpretation and cannot be circumscribed by a single interpretive discourse."