Women of Trachis

Fiction | Play | Adult

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Summary

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Lines 1-496

Lines 497-820

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Character Analysis

Themes

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Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

At the beginning of the play, Deianeira states that humans “never know for sure whether your life / Is good or bad until it ends in death” (96). Discuss the concept of a good death. Is Heracles’ death a good death or not?

How does weaving imagery function in the play? Include at least three examples in your discussion.

Recalling Heracles and Achelous’ violent competition to marry her, Deianeira says that his feared “my beauty would someday be a source of pain” (97). Discuss the relationship between beauty (and/or joy) and pain in the play. Draw on at least three examples from the text in your discussion.

Who does Deianeira blame for Heracles wanting Iole? How do her subsequent choices reflect her acceptance of her circumstances?

Explore the various kinds of battles portrayed in the play. Which is considered the most impossible to win? Defend your position using at least three examples from the text.

In what ways does Women of Trachis fit the standards of nostos narratives, and in what ways does it subvert them?

To what extent does Deianeira respect proper mortal limits with respect to the gods? Discussing using at least three examples from the text.

Discuss the oracular prophecies involving Heracles mentioned in the play.

What does the play suggest about the proper stance of mortals toward the gods?

10.

Does the play provide textual evidence to support the position that Heracles will be immortalized (i.e., become a god) upon his death? Defend your position using at least three examples from the play.