These are excellent translations of four of Euripides' plays (the lesser known The Cyclopes, Heracles, Iphigenia in Tauris, and Helen. Translators include William Arrowsmith, Witter Bynner, and Richard Lattimore. I have taught greek mythology and seminars entitled the Path of the Heroine, in which I use inspiring myths from Greek mythology as models for female empowerment.
Of all the Greek classics and myths, the story of Iphigenia in Tauris (sequel to Iphigenia in Aulis) is my favorite; it reveals a woman "letting go" of a life trauma of sacrifice (having been sacrificed by her father Agamemnon in order to fulfill the oracle of Colchis and start the Trojan War) and saving herself from the consequences of that betrayal. It speaks to every woman today who has felt betrayed by her father or the patriarchy and yet chosen to martyr herself in accordance with its demands. Whether you read the play only in regard to its Greek context, or relate it to yourself today, it is an important read.
I also recommend Helen, which is a fascinating interpretation of Helen of Troy, over whom the Trojan War was "reputedly" (Troy had mineral wealth and access to eastern ports which Greek wanted) fought. The brief introductions to the plays in this book are useful, but readers might want to supplement their reading by looking up commentaries online.
Of all the Greek classics and myths, the story of Iphigenia in Tauris (sequel to Iphigenia in Aulis) is my favorite; it reveals a woman "letting go" of a life trauma of sacrifice (having been sacrificed by her father Agamemnon in order to fulfill the oracle of Colchis and start the Trojan War) and saving herself from the consequences of that betrayal. It speaks to every woman today who has felt betrayed by her father or the patriarchy and yet chosen to martyr herself in accordance with its demands. Whether you read the play only in regard to its Greek context, or relate it to yourself today, it is an important read.
I also recommend Helen, which is a fascinating interpretation of Helen of Troy, over whom the Trojan War was "reputedly" (Troy had mineral wealth and access to eastern ports which Greek wanted) fought. The brief introductions to the plays in this book are useful, but readers might want to supplement their reading by looking up commentaries online.
