Title: The Oresteia: Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, The Eumenides
Author: Robert Fagles
First published January 1, 459
335 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140443332 (ISBN10: 0140443339)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
The Oresteia, a timeless trilogy of Greek drama, is an epic tale of vengeance and redemption within the royal family of Argos. Aeschylus weaves a captivating narrative of murder and revenge that ultimately leads to self-governance and enlightenment.
From the depths of darkness, the characters of this story emerge into the light, transforming from primitive ritual to civilized institution. The spirit of struggle and regeneration is captured in an everlasting song of celebration, making The Oresteia a true masterpiece of literature.
About the Author
James Fagles was a distinguished translator and professor of literature. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fagles was the son of a lawyer and an architect.
He graduated from Amherst College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and received his master’s degree from Yale University the following year. In 1959, he earned his Ph.D in English from Yale and began teaching English there for a year.
From 1960 to 1962, Fagles taught English at Princeton University. He was promoted to Assistant Professor in 1962, and became an Associate Professor of English and comparative literature in 1965.
Later that year, he became director of the comparative literature program. In 1970, he became a full professor and chaired the department from 1975 until his retirement in 2002.
Fagles remained a professor emeritus at Princeton.
Fagles was known for his translations of ancient Greek works, beginning with the poetry of Bacchylides in 1961. He went on to translate many Greek dramas, including Aeschylus’s Oresteia, Sophocles’s Three Theban Plays, and Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
Bernard Knox authored the introduction and notes for the latter three translations. Fagles’ translations use contemporary English phrasing while remaining faithful to the original Greek as much as possible.
Fagles published his own poetry collection, I, Vincent: Poems from the Pictures of Van Gogh, in 1978, and was a co-editor of The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces (1962) and The Norton Anthology of English Literature (1967).
Fagles passed away at his home in Princeton, New Jersey on March 26, 2008, from prostate cancer.
Editoral Review
Robert Fagles translation of The Oresteia is a stunning rendition of the ancient Greek trilogy that tells the story of the House of Atreus. Fagles, known for his eloquent translations of classical literature, captures the poetic and dramatic essence of Aeschylus masterpiece in a way that amazes and captivates readers.
The Oresteia includes three plays: Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides. The story takes place after the Trojan War, where Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, returns home to his wife Clytemnestra, who has become very angry due to his sacrifice of their daughter at the start of the war.
Clytemnestra exacts her revenge by murdering Agamemnon, which leads to a power struggle with their son Orestes. As Orestes seeks to avenge his fathers death, he finds himself caught in a web of political and familial intrigue that threatens to plunge the kingdom into chaos.
The Oresteia is a Greek tragedy that explores the themes of justice, revenge, and the human condition. Fagles captures the tragic depth of the story with his poetic language, which elevates it from a mere retelling to a lyrical experience.
He brings the characters alive with their dynamic personalities and vivid scenes. Despite its ancient origins, The Oresteia remains relevant today as it deals with themes that are still relevant in our society.
The narrative explores the consequences of revenge-seeking, the intersection of justice and morality, and the power struggle that exists between the individual and the state. In our current political climate, where we are witnessing the erosion of democracy and the rule of law, this story remains an illuminating reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism.
The strength of The Oresteia lies in its ability to showcase its themes through the characters actions and emotions. The play offers a rich exploration of the human psyche, from the dark depths of despair to the intoxicating heights of victory.
It is also a story of redemption, where characters can learn from their mistakes and seek to make amends.
One minor flaw of The Oresteia is its complexity.
The many characters, subplots, and cross-references can be overwhelming for some readers. However, Fagles translation alleviates this issue to a great extent through the clarity and fluidity of his language.
The Oresteia is a must-read for lovers of classical literature, and those interested in exploring deeper themes of human nature. Fagles translation is a treat for poetry enthusiasts as well.
It stands as a timeless treasure that rewards careful reading and reflection. Rating: 4.5/5 stars
