This book contains translations of three plays:Ajax, Hecuba, and
Trojan Women. They are all centered around the mythological theme
of the Greek warrior, Odysseus, hero of the Trojan War. All three
plays are complete, with notes and introductions, plus an
introduction to the volume with background to the story which was
one of the most popular themes and one of the most written about
Greek hero in Greek literature. Written during a tumultuous age of
sophists and demagogues, these three plays (c. 450-425 BCE) bear
witness to the gradual degradation of Odysseus' character. In
presenting the unexpected devolution of a renowned mythic figure,
the plays examine numerous themes relevant to contemporary American
political life: the profound psychological consequences of brought
on by the stress of war and why a once proud and noble warrior
might commit suicide; and the dehumanizing darkness that descends
upon innocent female war-victims when victors use act on false
political necessity.