From Political Theory to the Building of the Hero. A Study of the gnōmai in Part of the Third agōn of Euripides’ Suppliant Women (409-462)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/emerita.2025.1369Keywords:
Euripides, Suppliant Women, Democracy, Tyranny, γνῶμαι, CharacterisationAbstract
This study analyses the first pair of speeches (409-462) from the third agōn (409-563) of Euripides’ Suppliant Women, between Theseus and the Herald, characterized by its theoretical-political content, in order to argue for its dramatic relevance within the play. This section features an anachronistic debate opposing democracy and tyranny and explores universal political concepts that transcend the historical context of the tragedy. By examining the γνῶμαι as a dramatic device, the study seeks to demonstrate the dual function of the agōn: both as a reflection of contemporary political concerns and as a key element in the characterization and development of Theseus. Thus, it argues that contrary to scholarly critiques that deem this passage irrelevant, the third agōn serves as a crucial element of dramatic structure in the tragedy.
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Grant numbers JDC2022
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
Grant numbers PID2021-122489NB-100
