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Tragedies, Volume II

Oedipus. Agamemnon. Thyestes. Hercules on Oeta. Octavia
By Seneca
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( 77 ratings, 8 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Seneca's Tragedies, Volume II features adaptations of mythical episodes full of intense passions, combining classical themes with reflections on the brutal realities of imperial power. The volume includes the Octavia, the sole surviving Roman historical play set in Nero's court, illustrating the author's deep engagement with politics and human dominion.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This edition is ideal for classicists, students of Roman literature and culture, and readers interested in classical drama and the historical context of Nero's Rome. It suits those seeking authoritative translations with scholarly insight.

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Seneca (ca. AD 4 65) authored verse tragedies that strongly influenced Shakespeare and other Renaissance dramatists. Plots are based on myth, but themes reflect imperial Roman politics. John G. Fitch has thoroughly revised his two-volume edition to take account of scholarship that has appeared since its initial publication.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Seneca is a figure of first importance in both Roman politics and literature: a leading adviser to Nero who attempted to restrain the emperor's megalomania; a prolific moral philosopher; and the author of verse tragedies that strongly influenced Shakespeare and other Renaissance dramatists.

Seneca's plays depict intense passions and interactions in rhetoric that is equally strong. Their perspective is much bleaker than that adopted in his prose writings. His plots are based on mythical episodes, in keeping with classical tradition. However, the political realities of imperial Rome are also reflected in an obsessive concern with power and dominion over others.

The Octavia is our sole surviving example of a Roman historical play. Set at Nero's court, it was probably written by an admirer of Seneca as statesman and dramatist.

John G. Fitch has thoroughly revised his two-volume edition of Seneca's Tragedies to take account of the textual and interpretive scholarship that has appeared since its initial publication. His translation conveys the force of Seneca's dramatic language and the lyric quality of his choral odes.

Series: Loeb Classical Library

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The translation by John G. Fitch is praised for being deft, accurate, and highly readable. The volume includes insightful introductions and well-curated bibliographies, making it an invaluable resource for both classicists and general readers without Latin knowledge alike. It is regarded as the definitive edition of Seneca's tragedies.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780674997189

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 June 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Harvard University Press

Illustration: Index

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 162.0mm

Height: 108.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 662

About the Author

John G. Fitch is Professor Emeritus of Greek and Roman Studies, University of Victoria.

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