Alcestis by Euripides

Read now or download (free!)

Choose how to read this book Url Size
Read online (web) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10523.html.images 151 kB
EPUB3 (E-readers incl. Send-to-Kindle) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10523.epub3.images 109 kB
EPUB (no images, older E-readers) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10523.epub.noimages 110 kB
Kindle https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10523.kf8.images 187 kB
older Kindles https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10523.kindle.images 170 kB
Plain Text UTF-8 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10523.txt.utf-8 122 kB
Download HTML (zip) https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/10523/pg10523-h.zip 106 kB
There may be more files related to this item.

About this eBook

Author Euripides, 481? BCE-407 BCE
Translator Murray, Gilbert, 1866-1957
Title Alcestis
Credits Produced by Ted Garvin, Charles M. Bidwell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Summary "Alcestis" by Euripides is a classic Greek tragedy that dates back to the 5th century BC. This play explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships through the poignant narrative of Alcestis, who willingly offers her life to save her husband, Admetus, from death. The story examines the nature of heroism and the moral implications of love and duty. The opening of "Alcestis" introduces us to the dire circumstances surrounding the titular character as she prepares to sacrifice herself for her husband, Admetus, who has been granted a reprieve from death on the condition that another person willingly takes his place. The presence of Apollo highlights the divine influence over human fate, while Thanatos, the personification of death, adds an ominous tone to the unfolding drama. We witness Alcestis's selflessness and emotional strength as she bids farewell to her loved ones, especially her children, and expresses her keen awareness of the implications of her sacrifice. The atmosphere is thick with tragedy as the Chorus reflects on her noble fate, contrasting Alcestis's bravery with Admetus's perceived cowardice in accepting his wife's sacrifice rather than facing his own mortality. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for a deeply emotional exploration of love's sacrifices amidst the inevitable reality of death. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PA: Language and Literatures: Classical Languages and Literature
Subject Alcestis, Queen, consort of Admetus, King of Pherae -- Drama
Category Text
EBook-No. 10523
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Dec 19, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 160 downloads in the last 30 days.
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!