The Electra of Euripides Translated into English rhyming verse   By: Unknown (480? BC - 406 BC)

The Electra of Euripides, translated into English rhyming verse by Unknown, is a captivating journey into the depths of ancient Greek tragedy. While the mysterious translator adds an air of intrigue to the work, it is the power of Euripides' original play that truly shines through.

Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, the story follows Electra, the daughter of King Agamemnon, who seeks revenge for her father's murder at the hands of her mother and stepfather. Unknown's translation maintains the essence of Euripides' poetic language, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the evocative imagery and powerful emotions that permeate the play.

One of the strengths of this translation is its adherence to rhyming verse, which adds a melodic quality to the dialogue and heightens the dramatic tension. The rhythm and flow of the lines make it easier to engage with the text, even for readers less familiar with ancient Greek literature. The translator's decision to preserve the rhyming structure is commendable and serves as a testament to the enduring power of Euripides' original work.

The characterization in The Electra is thoughtfully rendered, with Electra herself emerging as a deeply complex and tragic figure. Her unwavering determination to avenge her father's death is palpable, and readers cannot help but empathize with her in her quest for justice. The other characters, such as Electra's sister Chrysothemis and her stepfather Aegisthus, are also well-portrayed, each bringing their own motivations and conflicts to the stage.

However, the lack of attribution for the translator is a significant drawback. While it adds an air of mystery, readers may find it frustrating not to know the identity of the person responsible for this rendition. Without context or explanation, it is difficult to fully appreciate the translator's interpretation or their creative choices. This lack of transparency may leave some readers yearning for a deeper understanding of the motivations behind certain stylistic decisions.

Despite this limitation, The Electra of Euripides, translated into English rhyming verse by Unknown, is a compelling and accessible version of an ancient masterpiece. It successfully brings Euripides' tragedy to life with its captivating poetic style, maintaining the timeless themes and intensity that have made this play endure through the centuries. Whether you are a fan of ancient Greek drama or simply seeking an immersive literary experience, this translation is a worthwhile read.

First Page:

The Electra of Euripides has the distinction of being, perhaps, the best abused, and, one might add, not the best understood, of ancient tragedies. "A singular monument of poetical, or rather unpoetical perversity;" "the very worst of all his pieces;" are, for instance, the phrases applied to it by Schlegel. Considering that he judged it by the standards of conventional classicism, he could scarcely have arrived at any different conclusion. For it is essentially, and perhaps consciously, a protest against those standards... Continue reading book >>