Four Plays of Aeschylus

Four Plays of Aeschylus is a collection of four ancient Greek tragedies written by Aeschylus, often considered the father of tragedy. The collection typically features these four plays:

• The Suppliant Maidens
• The Persians
• Seven Against Thebes
• Prometheus Bound

These plays explore themes of justice, revenge, divine will, and human suffering. Here's a brief summary of each play:

• The Suppliant Maidens: This play tells the story of the Danaïdes, fifty daughters of Danaus who flee Egypt to escape a forced marriage. They seek asylum in Argos, ruled by King Pelasgus, but their cousin, the Egyptian king, demands their return. The play explores themes of supplication, justice, and the obligations of hospitality.

• The Persians: This is the only surviving play by Aeschylus based on a historical event, the Battle of Salamis (480 BC), a pivotal victory for the Greeks over the Persians. The play depicts the defeat of the Persian king Xerxes from the perspective of the Persians themselves, showcasing their grief and loss.

• Seven Against Thebes: This play is part of a trilogy (the Theban plays) but the only surviving one. It tells the story of the doomed battle between Eteocles and Polyneices, brothers who kill each other in their fight for the throne of Thebes. The play explores themes of fate, familial conflict, and the destructive power of pride.

• Prometheus Bound: This play depicts the Titan Prometheus, who is punished by Zeus for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity. Prometheus is chained to a rock and tormented by an eagle, but he remains defiant. The play explores themes of rebellion, human progress, and the nature of power.

These four plays offer a glimpse into the development of ancient Greek tragedy and the profound questions Aeschylus grappled with. They continue to be studied and performed today for their timeless themes and dramatic power.