Writers and Philosophers of Greece : Aeschylus

 

 

Aeschylus is one of the greatest tragedians in Greek literature, known for his contribution to the development of ancient Greek drama. He is often referred to as the father of Greek tragedy, and his works continue to influence modern theater and literature. In this article, we will explore the life and works of Aeschylus, highlighting some unique facts about him.

§  Early Life

Aeschylus was born in Eleusis, a small town near Athens, in 525 BC. His father, Euphorion, was a wealthy landowner, and his mother's name was probably Cleito. Aeschylus had two older brothers, Cynaegirus and Ameinias. His family was part of the Eupatridae, the aristocratic class of Athens, and they were deeply involved in religious rituals and ceremonies.

Aeschylus was educated in Athens, where he studied poetry and drama under the guidance of some of the leading poets and playwrights of the time. He was deeply influenced by the works of Homer, Hesiod, and Pindar, and he developed a love for poetry and storytelling.

§  Military Service

In 490 BC, Aeschylus fought in the Battle of Marathon, where the Athenians defeated the invading Persian army. According to legend, Aeschylus played a significant role in the battle, and his bravery and courage earned him a reputation as a hero.

The experience of war had a profound impact on Aeschylus, and it influenced many of his works. In his plays, he often explored themes of war, justice, and morality, and he used his writing to challenge the traditional beliefs and values of his society.

Career as a Playwright

Aeschylus began his career as a playwright in the early 480s BC, at a time when Greek drama was still in its infancy. He wrote over 90 plays, but only seven of them have survived to the present day. His earliest plays were produced for the Great Dionysia, a festival held in Athens in honor of the god Dionysus, where playwrights competed against each other for prizes.

Aeschylus quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and innovative playwright, and his plays were known for their grandeur and spectacle. He was the first playwright to introduce a second actor on stage, which allowed for more complex plots and character interactions. He also developed the use of the chorus, a group of actors who sang and danced to provide commentary on the action of the play.

§  Unique Facts About Aeschylus

1.     Aeschylus was a deeply religious person, and his plays often dealt with themes of faith and morality. He believed that the gods played an active role in the affairs of mortals, and he used his writing to explore the relationship between gods and humans.

2.    Aeschylus was a prolific writer, but he was also a skilled craftsman. He is said to have built his own sets and costumes, and he paid great attention to the details of staging and performance.

3.    Aeschylus was known for his love of language and his ability to create powerful and memorable images through his writing. He used vivid metaphors and similes to evoke emotion and create a sense of drama in his plays.

4.    Aeschylus was also a proud and patriotic Athenian. He often used his writing to celebrate the achievements of his city and its people, and he was deeply committed to the democratic values that underpinned Athenian society.

5.    Aeschylus was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, and his works were not always well-received by his contemporaries. He was known for his bold and innovative approach to drama, which sometimes challenged the traditional beliefs and values of his society.

§  Legacy

Aeschylus's impact on Greek drama and literature cannot be overstated. His works laid the foundations for the development of tragedy as a genre, and his innovations in staging and performance techniques continue to influence theater and literature to this day.

One of his most famous plays, "The Oresteia," is a trilogy of plays that explores themes of justice and retribution. It is considered one of the greatest works of Western literature, and it has been adapted into numerous other forms, including operas, ballets, and films.

Another notable play by Aeschylus is "Prometheus Bound," which tells the story of Prometheus, a titan who defies the gods to bring fire to humanity. The play is an exploration of the relationship between gods and mortals, and it has been interpreted in many different ways over the centuries.

Despite his success as a playwright, Aeschylus faced some criticism from his contemporaries. His use of the chorus, for example, was sometimes seen as outdated, and his innovative approach to drama was not always well-received. However, his contributions to Greek literature and drama were recognized and celebrated, and he was awarded numerous prizes for his work.

In addition to his plays, Aeschylus also wrote poetry, including a series of hymns that were sung in religious ceremonies. He was also known for his deep knowledge of the ancient Greek myths and legends, and he incorporated many of these stories into his plays.

Aeschylus's influence on later writers and thinkers cannot be overstated. His works were studied and admired by the ancient Greeks themselves, and they continue to be studied and performed by scholars and theater companies around the world. His emphasis on moral and ethical issues, his exploration of the relationship between gods and humans, and his innovative approach to drama have all had a lasting impact on Western culture.

In conclusion, Aeschylus was a remarkable figure in ancient Greek literature and drama. His innovations in theater and his contributions to the development of tragedy as a genre continue to be felt to this day. His plays are powerful and timeless, exploring themes of justice, morality, and the relationship between gods and humans. Aeschylus was a true master of his craft, and his legacy continues to inspire and inform scholars and artists around the world.