Iphigenia, Phaedra And Athaliah (Penguin Classics) Books Pdf File

Iphigenia, Phaedra And Athaliah (Penguin Classics) Books Pdf File: A Review of Three Tragic Plays by Racine

If you are looking for a collection of classic French tragedies that explore themes of fate, passion, and power, you might want to check out Iphigenia, Phaedra And Athaliah (Penguin Classics) Books Pdf File. This ebook contains three plays by Jean Racine, one of the most celebrated playwrights of the 17th century. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of each play and explain why they are worth reading.

Iphigenia

Iphigenia is based on the Greek myth of Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Agamemnon is the leader of the Greek army that is preparing to sail to Troy to fight in the Trojan War. However, the goddess Artemis has stopped the winds and demands that Agamemnon sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia to appease her. Agamemnon reluctantly agrees, but he deceives his wife and daughter by telling them that Iphigenia is going to marry Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks. The play depicts the conflict between duty and love, as well as the consequences of deception and betrayal.

Phaedra

Phaedra is based on the Greek myth of Phaedra, the wife of Theseus and the stepmother of Hippolytus. Phaedra is secretly in love with Hippolytus, but he rejects her advances and remains faithful to his father. Phaedra then accuses Hippolytus of trying to seduce her and asks Theseus to punish him. Theseus believes her and invokes a curse on his son, which leads to his death. Phaedra later confesses her guilt and kills herself. The play explores the themes of forbidden love, jealousy, and revenge.

Athaliah

Athaliah is based on the biblical story of Athaliah, the queen of Judah and the daughter of Jezebel. Athaliah is a tyrant who worships Baal and tries to exterminate the royal line of David. However, she does not know that her grandson Joash has been secretly saved by Jehoiada, the high priest of Yahweh. Joash is raised in the temple and is destined to become the king of Judah. The play portrays the contrast between idolatry and faithfulness, as well as the triumph of good over evil.

Conclusion

Iphigenia, Phaedra And Athaliah (Penguin Classics) Books Pdf File is a great ebook for anyone who enjoys classic French drama and literature. The plays are written in elegant verse and offer a rich insight into human nature and emotions. You can download the ebook from this link: https://www.amazon.com/Iphigenia-Phaedra-Athaliah-Penguin-Classics-ebook/dp/B002RI9Z0G. We hope you enjoy reading these masterpieces by Racine!

Why Read Racine

Racine is widely regarded as one of the greatest dramatists of all time. He is known for his mastery of the French language and his ability to create powerful and complex characters. His plays are influenced by classical Greek and Roman literature, as well as by his own religious and political views. He was a devout Catholic and a supporter of the absolutist monarchy of Louis XIV. His plays often reflect his moral vision and his criticism of human corruption and weakness.

Racine's plays are also remarkable for their dramatic structure and style. He follows the rules of classical tragedy, which require unity of time, place, and action. His plays usually take place within a single day, in a single location, and focus on a single plot. He also uses a form of poetry called alexandrine, which consists of 12-syllable lines with a pause in the middle. His verse is smooth and harmonious, but also expressive and intense. He uses various literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, antitheses, and irony, to convey his themes and emotions.

How to Appreciate Racine's Plays

One of the best ways to appreciate Racine's plays is to read them aloud or to watch them performed. Reading aloud can help you enjoy the beauty and rhythm of his language, as well as the subtlety and depth of his dialogue. Watching a performance can help you visualize the action and the characters, as well as the atmosphere and the mood of the play. You can also listen to audio recordings or watch video clips of Racine's plays online.

Another way to appreciate Racine's plays is to learn more about their historical and cultural context. You can research about the myths and stories that inspired Racine, as well as the historical events and figures that influenced him. You can also compare his plays with other works of literature or art from his time or from other periods. You can also analyze his plays from different perspectives, such as literary, psychological, philosophical, or theological. 061ffe29dd