Euripides, Phoenician Women

Some observations:

Greek name: Phoenissae or Phoinissai (after the chorus of foreigners who happen to be caught in Thebes when it is under siege. The chorus is on its way to the temple of Apollo, part of the themes of exile and relations of space)

Is that the play that has everybody in mythology in it? (L.P.)

Among Euripidean innovations is "the impressive increase in complexity in the late plays to the point where in the Phoinissai we see the story of Kreon's family mixed with that of the family of Oidipous in a mesh of episodes." (Ann Michelini)

The choral odes are a link "between the themes of fatherland and family, of the heroics of the past and the disgrace of the present, forces that foster and those that subvert ... between the bright light of Apollo and Ares' dusky glow." (Marilyn Arthur)

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Themes and points to consider:

Family and country

The history of Thebes as told in dialogue and song

The unity of the choral odes

Strife and salvation

Alienation and separation of the kinspeople

Homeric references (as in "teichoscopia")

Light and darkness

Confinement and exile

Why does Euripides bring in all the characters from the Theban legend, keeping Jocasta alive contrary to the tradition, keeping Oedipus confined in Thebes.

The house and space -- parts of the house mentioned.

Offstage action -- places mentioned -- the place is defined by the references to other places.

Who is left behind in Thebes of all the characters?

What are the new incidents that Euripides invents for this play? What are some of the incidents he reshapes from earlier version.