Iphigenia, Phaedra and Athaliah
by Jean Racine, John Cairncross (Translator, Introduction by)
ISBN-10: 0140441220
ISBN-13: 9780140441222
$16.00
Book Specs
Binding
UK-B Format Paperback
Publisher
Penguin Classics
Published on
Feb 28, 1964
Edition
1st Edition
Dimensions
5.10x0.60x7.70 Inches
Weight
0.49 Pounds
About the Book
Strongly influenced by Classical drama, Jean Racine (1639-99) broke away from the grandiose theatricality of baroque drama to create works of intense psychological realism, with characters manipulated by cruel and vengeful gods. Iphigenia depicts a princess's absolute submission to her father's will, despite his determination to sacrifice her to gain divine favour before going to war. Described by Voltaire as 'the masterpiece of the human mind', Phaedra shows a woman's struggle to overcome her overwhelming passion for her stepson - an obsession that brings destruction to a noble family. And Athaliah portrays a ruthless pagan queen, who defies Jehovah in her desperate attempt to keep the throne of Jerusalem from its legitimate heir.