Overview
This lecture covered Euripides' play "Alcestis," focusing on its plot, key characters, major themes, and the resolution of the story.
Plot Summary
- "Alcestis" is Euripides' earliest surviving play, telling the story of Alcestis, who volunteers to die in place of her husband, Admetus.
- Apollo secures Admetus' life if someone else dies for him; only his wife, Alcestis, agrees.
- Alcestis prepares for her death, asking Admetus to care for their children and not remarry.
- The household mourns deeply as Alcestis dies, leaving Admetus in despair.
- Heracles (Hercules) arrives, unaware of Alcestis' death, and is hosted by Admetus despite his grief.
- Learning the truth, Heracles fights Death at the tomb and brings Alcestis back to life.
- Alcestis is returned to Admetus, with instructions to remain silent until ritually purified.
Major Characters
- Apollo: A god who aids Admetus and bargains with Death.
- Death (Thanatos): The personification who comes to take Alcestis.
- Alcestis: The self-sacrificing queen, whose death and return form the play's central action.
- Admetus: King of Pherae, whose life is saved at the cost of his wife's.
- Heracles: Hero who rescues Alcestis from Death.
- Pheres: Admetus’ father, criticized for refusing to die for his son.
- Chorus: Elders of Pherae, commenting on events and expressing public sentiment.
Themes & Analysis
- Self-sacrifice: Alcestis demonstrates the highest devotion by dying for her husband.
- The limits of familial duty: Admetus' parents refuse to die for him, highlighting individual desires.
- Hospitality: Admetus upholds hospitality even in mourning, earning Heracles' reward.
- Fate and the Gods: Fate is unchangeable, but the gods occasionally intervene in mortal lives.
- Grief and recovery: The play explores the depths of personal loss and hope for restoration.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Alcestis — The queen who sacrifices her life for her husband.
- Admetus — King of Pherae, central to the plot's bargain with Death.
- Apollo — Olympian god who negotiates Admetus' reprieve.
- Thanatos — The god Death, who claims mortals at their destined time.
- Heracles — Legendary hero who rescues Alcestis from the Underworld.
- Hospitality (Xenia) — Sacred Greek custom of welcoming guests, central to Admetus' actions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the play’s full text for direct quotes on key decisions and turning points.
- Prepare notes on how this play represents Euripides' tragic style and innovation.
- Compare Alcestis’ sacrifice with those in other Greek tragedies.