Helping Friends and Harming Enemies: A Study in Sophocles and Greek Ethics - Softcover

Blundell, Mary Whitlock

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521423902 ISBN 13: 9780521423908

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1991

Synopsis

This book is the first detailed study of the plays of Sophocles through examination of a single ethical principle--the traditional Greek popular moral code of "helping friends and harming enemies." Five of the extant plays are discussed in detail from both a dramatic and an ethical standpoint, and the author concludes that ethical themes are not only integral to each drama, but are subjected to an implicit critique through the tragic consequences to which they give rise. Greek scholars and students of Greek drama and Greek thought will welcome this book, which is presented in such a way as to be accessible to specialists and nonspecialists alike. No knowledge of Greek is required.

About this title

Book Description

The first detailed study of a single ethical principle in five plays by Sophocles concludes that ethical themes are not only integral to each drama, but subjected to an implicit critique through the tragic consequences to which they give rise.

Review

"The presentation is thorough and readable, and the footnotes provide more than enough trails for the curious to follow into the secondary literature. Besides covering its stated theme, the book is in fact a good, up-to-date introduction to ethical issues in Sophocles generally." Classical World

"This book belongs firmly within the best tradition of Sophoclean interpretation....a good book: it discusses important questions responsibly and thoughtfully." Ruth Scodel, Ancient Philosophy

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0521423902
• ISBN 13: 9780521423908
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312