Troades

Abstract

Abstract This chapter argues that, like in the case of Phaedra, revenge plays a more integral role in Seneca’s Troades than has been hitherto appreciated. It argues that, even though Seneca chooses not to include in his play Hecuba’s gruesome revenge against Polymestor, one of the most popular revenge stories in antiquity, he nonetheless depicts her as a character who harbours distinctly vindictive sentiments. Hecuba’s vindictiveness manifests itself essentially in two ways. The first is through her intense performance of ritual lamentation, in which she aggressively exhorts the chorus to join her. The second is through the prayer, which is also a curse, that she pronounces after learning that her daughter Polyxena will be sacrificed to enable the Greeks safely to depart from Troy. Seneca suggests a direct causal link between Hecuba’s powerful curse, which in language and tone is reminiscent of fragments of the Stoic philosopher Cleanthes and of the contemporary Roman tragic dramatist Pomponius Secundus, and the storm that will destroy the Greek fleet at sea. Finally, the chapter draws attention to a possible Senecan innovation in characterizing Polyxena as vengeful against the ghost of Achilles at the moment of her death.

Authors 1

1. Basil L P Nelis corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University