Pouring out tears: ANDROMACHE in Homer and Euripides

by  REBECCA M. MUICH

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DISSERTATION
This thesis begins to examine the role of Andromache in the Trojan War saga and tradition by providing an in-depth analysis of Andromache in the Iliad, Euripides’ Andromache and Euripides’ Trojan Women. Using theories of character derived from the narratological study of modern fiction, it strives to draw attention to the role of Andromache’s character in each work and the methods of characterization each author uses. The close analysis of the mechanics of character-building aids in the delineation of the themes Andromache helps to develop in each work and aids in establishing the continuity of the character between her epic and tragic manifestations. The thesis shows how the Homeric poet and Euripides utilize three features in Andromache’s characterization. First, by making her a paragon of feminine virtue, the authors position her as a useful comparandum for the actions of other, more dangerous women. Second, by focusing attention on the nature of her victimization, the authors call into question the prevailing social values of the time, and the actions of victors in war. Third, by highlighting Andromache’s role as mourner, the authors closely examine the particular suffering of women in times of war. The thesis concludes that Andromache has remained a powerful, iconic figure in the Trojan War tradition because of her role as a representative of the universal hardships facing women during and after wartime.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: METHOD …………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
CHAPTER 2: ANDROMACHE’S SELF DEFINITION AND SPEECHES IN THE ILIAD …….38
CHAPTER 3: DIRECT DEFINITION AND INDIRECT PRESENTATION IN THE ILIAD …..83
CHAPTER 4: EURIPIDES’ ANDROMACHE ………………………………………………………………….133
CHAPTER 5: EURIPIDES’ TROJAN WOMEN ……………………………………………………………….181
CONCLUSION …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….220
BIBLIOGRAPHY …………………………………………………………………………………………………………223

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