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What were the major themes and concerns of ancient Greek drama?
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Ancient Greek drama explored major themes such as fate, hubris (human and divine arrogance), and the tension between individual desires and societal norms. The works of playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides often depicted complex moral and philosophical questions, reflecting the cultural and religious beliefs of ancient Greece. Understanding these themes requires examining both primary sources, such as the plays themselves, and secondary literature that provides scholarly interpretations and historical context.
If you want to know where you can go to read about the themes you mention, there are two places you can go. First, there are the primary sources - the plays themselves. We have three main tragic authors - Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. If you read a few plays from each author, then you will get a good sense of what Athenian tragedy is like.
Second, you have secondary sources. There are several excellent books on Greek tragedy. These books with help you with what scholars are saying about the plays.
I suggest that you start with basic introductions. A good book is: Ancient Greek Literature by Kenneth Dover and E. L. Bowie. This book will give you a good overview of tragedy. Another good book is Ancient Greek Tragedy by H. D. F. Kitto. Also use the bibliography to read books and article that interest you.
Finally, you might...
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want to get a basic history of ancient Greece, so that you will know what is going on during the time of these tragedies.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/20902/A-Brief-Account-of-Greek-Theatre This site seems to have some great background information for you, and it also includes additional themes concerning Greek drama, specifically that of fate and human, as well as godly, arrogance.
For more specific information, try looking up the specific writers of the plays, such as Sophocles. Usually, this will lead to more information in terms of their writings and some of the themes they dealt with. Good luck!