Andromache (play)

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Andromache

Captive Andromache by Frederic Leighton
Written by Euripides
Chorus Phthian Women
Characters Andromache
Maid
Hermione
Menelaus
Molossus
Peleus
Nurse of Hermione
Orestes
Messenger
Thetis
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Andromache (c. 425 BC) is a play by Euripides. It follows Andromache during her life as a slave, years after the events of the Trojan War.

Contents

[edit] Background

During the Trojan War, Andromache's husband Hector was slain by Achilles. Their child Astyanax was dropped off the Trojan walls by the Greeks for fear that he would grow up and avenge his father and city. Andromache was made a slave of Neoptolemus, son of Achilles. These events are depicted in The Trojan Women, another play by Euripides. Years pass and Andromache has a child through Neoptolemus. However, Neoptolemus weds Hermione, daughter of Menelaus and Helen, and Hermione is very jealous of the relationship between Andromache and Neoptolemus. Fearing for her life and the life of her child, Andromache hides the child and seeks refuge in the temple of Thetis, mother of Achilles.

[edit] Story

The play starts with Andromache holding her newborn son by the altar of Thetis. Hermione enters and attempts to draw Andromache away from the altar so she can kill her. When she proves stubborn, Menelaus enters and seizes her son. Andromache resigns to their power and lets herself be led away. Peleus arrives in the nick of time to save Andromache. After he and Menelaus trade insults, Menelaus storms off in a huff, Hermione follows. Peleus and Andromache exit. The chorus sings and ode at the end of which Hermione enters suicidal. The nurse pleads with her not to commit suicide, and Orestes enters and together they plot the assassination of Neoptolemus at Delphi. Peleus and Andromache enter as a messenger rushes into inform Peleus of the murder. Peleus curses Sparta and Thetis appears, telling him to come to the cave where they first met, so Peleus can become immortal and live with Thetis forever.

[edit] Political Themes

The play comes off as extremely anti-Spartan; Menelaus is portrayed as an arrogant tyrant and his daughter Hermione as lecherous and murderous. Peleus curses Sparta several times during the play.

[edit] Translations


Plays by Euripides