Book
Groaning Tears
Ethical and Dramatic Aspects of Suicide in Greek Tragedy
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E.P. Garrison
Language:
English
Published/Copyright:
1995
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About this book
Groaning Tears examines suicide in Greek tragedy in light of the fifth-century ethical climate. No full-scale work has previously been devoted to this pervasive topic. The particular focus of identifying suicide as a response to the expectations of popular ethics and social demands makes it useful for scholars and students of drama, ethics and sociology.
Chapter one establishes the ethical background of audiences in the fifth century while chapters two through five examine suicide in the context of whole plays based on motivational distinctions: to avoid disgrace and preserve an honorable reputation; to avoid further suffering; to end grief; and to sacrifice oneself for a greater good. The final chapter considers a drama of lighter tone that presents suicide in all of its ethical and theatrical aspects.
Chapter one establishes the ethical background of audiences in the fifth century while chapters two through five examine suicide in the context of whole plays based on motivational distinctions: to avoid disgrace and preserve an honorable reputation; to avoid further suffering; to end grief; and to sacrifice oneself for a greater good. The final chapter considers a drama of lighter tone that presents suicide in all of its ethical and theatrical aspects.
Author / Editor information
Elise P. Garrison, Ph.D. (1987) in Classics, Stanford University, is Assistant Professor of Classical Studies at Texas A&M University. She has published extensively on suicide in Greek tragedy.
Reviews
'...this book is both well-researched and comprehensive in its treatment of the suicide theme...'
Laura McClure, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 1995.
'...a systematic reconsideration of the plays...a valuable compendium of materials on the theme of suicide in Greek tragedy.'
Eva Thury, The Classical Outlook, 1997.
Laura McClure, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 1995.
'...a systematic reconsideration of the plays...a valuable compendium of materials on the theme of suicide in Greek tragedy.'
Eva Thury, The Classical Outlook, 1997.
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Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
July 17, 2018
eBook ISBN:
9789004329522
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
Main content:
210
eBook ISBN:
9789004329522
Audience(s) for this book
All those of graduate level and above interested in the history of mentality, ancient drama, ethics, sociology, ancient Greek Literature, as well as classical philologists, dramatists and students of literature and ethics.
