The Use of Anonymous Characters in Greek Tragedy: The Shaping of Heroes

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Florence Yoon
BRILL, Jul 25, 2012 - Literary Criticism - 178 pages
Anonymous characters appear in almost every extant Greek Tragedy, yet they have long been overlooked in critical scholarship. This book argues that the creation and use of anonymous figures is an important tool in the transformation of traditional mythological heroes into unique dramatic characters. Through close reading of the passages in which nameless characters appear, this study demonstrates the significant impact of their speech, actions, and identity on the characterization of the particular named heroes to whom they are attached. Exploring the boundaries between anonymity and naming in mythico-historical drama, the book draws attention to an important but neglected aspect of the genre, suggesting a new perspective from which to read, perform, and appreciate Greek Tragedy.
 

Contents

Introduction Whats in a Name?
1
Chapter One Classes
9
Chapter Two Individuals
39
Chapter Three Special Cases
121
Chapter Four Contrasts and Comparisons
141
Conclusion
157
Bibliography
161
Index
177
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About the author (2012)

Florence Yoon, D.Phil. (2008) in Classics, University of Oxford, is Assistant Professor in Greek Language and Literature at the University of British Columbia.

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