Language and Character in Euripides' Electra
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:19th Jan '17
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This study of Euripides' Electra approaches the text through the lens of modern linguistics, marrying it with traditional literary criticism in order to provide new and informative means of analysing and interpreting what is considered to be one of the playwright's most controversial works. It is the first systematic attempt to apply a variety of modern linguistic theories, including conversation analysis, pragmatics, sociolinguistics (on gender and politeness), paroemiology, and discourse studies, to a single Greek tragedy. The volume focuses specifically on issues of characterization, demonstrating how Euripides shaped his figures through their use of language, while also using the same methodology to tackle some of the play's major textual issues. An introductory chapter treats each of the linguistic approaches used throughout the book, and discusses some of the general issues surrounding the play's interpretation. This is followed by chapters on the figures of the Peasant, Electra herself, and Orestes, in each case showing how their characterization is determined by their speaking style and their 'linguistic behaviour'. Three further chapters focus on textual criticism in stichomythia, on the messenger speech, and on the agon. By using modern linguistic methodologies to argue for a balanced interpretation of the Electra's main characters, the volume both challenges dominant scholarly opinion and enhances the literary interpretation of this well-studied play. Taking full account of recent and older work in both linguistics and classics, it will be of use to readers and researchers in both fields, and includes translations of all Greek cited and a glossary of linguistic terminology to make the text accessible to both.
The book as a whole is well organized and meticulously detailed, and presents a fresh approach to this play * Kathryn Mattison, Department of Classics, McMaster University, Mouseion: Journal of the Classical Association of Canada *
I found van Emde Boas's analyses convincing and illuminating. His book combines an excellent contribution to the interpretation of this play with a methodological demonstration that ought to prove influential. * Malcolm Heath, Greece and Rome *
Evert van Emde Boas has produced a masterful book. His successful application of a linguistic approach should open the gateway to much valuable appreciation of the tragedies in the future. We should be most grateful to him. * James Morwood, Classics for All *
ISBN: 9780198793601
Dimensions: 223mm x 141mm x 23mm
Weight: 516g
336 pages