Livio Sbardella, L’ombra di Aspasia

Summary

The script explores the complexity of Euripides' portrayal of women in Greek tragedy, focusing on the character of Phaedra. It highlights her intellectualism, as well as her emotional and erotic passion, reflecting on the societal roles of women in ancient Athens. The discussion also draws a parallel with Aspasia, Pericles' lover, and examines how these figures challenge conventional female roles. The piece further emphasizes the tensions in Athenian society between intellectualism and gender expectations, positioning Phaedra as a symbol of both the ideal and the transgressive female figure in the context of Greek tragedy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The debate among scholars revolves around how Greek tragedies, particularly those by Euripides, reflect contemporary historical realities.
• 😀 It is impossible to provide a definitive answer to how Greek tragedies relate to their contemporary time, but individual cases can be examined.
• 😀 One significant example of this is Euripides' character Phaedra, whose actions and intellectuality reflect societal complexities.
• 😀 Phaedra's character is depicted as a woman with intellectual depth, challenging the traditional role of women in 5th century Athens.
• 😀 Phaedra references Socratic ethics in her speech, particularly the notion that knowledge of the good leads to the practice of the good, which she contests.
• 😀 Phaedra embodies both intellectual sophistication and intense emotional passion, especially her forbidden love for her stepson, Hippolytus.
• 😀 Euripides presents a nuanced portrayal of women, exemplified by Phaedra, Meda, and Alcestis, where each figure has complex emotional and intellectual layers.
• 😀 Aspasia, the lover of Pericles, is used as a historical example of a powerful, intellectual woman in Athens, representing a parallel to Phaedra.
• 😀 Plutarch's account of Aspasia highlights her intellect and influence, even in a society where the roles of women were limited and often contested.
• 😀 The speaker references feminist scholar Eva Coils, who describes Athens as a 'phallocentric' society, revealing the deep societal imbalance of the time.

Q & A

What is the central debate among scholars regarding Greek tragedy?

Scholars debate the extent to which Greek tragedy reflected contemporary historical reality. It's a complex issue, and while there may not be a definitive answer, it's suggested that examining specific cases or individual plays offers more insight.

Why is Euripides' portrayal of Phaedra significant in the context of Greek tragedy?

Phaedra's character in Euripides' work is significant because she represents a complex intellectual profile that challenges the typical portrayal of women in ancient Greek society, combining both intellectual and emotional dimensions.

How does Phaedra's speech to the chorus in 'Hippolytus' reflect her intellectual depth?

In her speech, Phaedra speaks in a philosophical tone, referencing Socratic ethics. She critiques the belief that if one knows the good, they will naturally do the good, which highlights her intellectual depth and challenges conventional ideas.

How does the portrayal of Phaedra compare to the representation of women in ancient Greek society?

Phaedra's intellectual profile and emotional struggles are both a reflection of and a challenge to the typical portrayal of women in ancient Greece. Her role complicates the conventional ideas of women as primarily driven by passion and emotion.

How does the figure of Aspasia relate to the themes explored in Euripides' tragedy?

Aspasia, a prominent intellectual figure in Athens, provides a parallel to Phaedra in that both challenge societal norms. Aspasia was known for her wisdom and influence, particularly in political and philosophical matters, much like how Phaedra’s intellectual nature defies expectations for women in Greek society.

What does Plutarch's description of Aspasia reveal about her influence in Athenian society?

Plutarch’s description of Aspasia highlights her significant influence on Pericles, as well as her active involvement in political and intellectual circles in Athens, even earning Socrates' respect and friendship, which was unusual for a woman in that time.

What is meant by the term 'phallocentric society' in the context of ancient Athens?

A 'phallocentric society' refers to a society that centers male experience and dominance, often marginalizing women. The term highlights the gender inequality in Athens, where democratic values were only extended to adult men, while women were excluded from full participation in society.

How does the role of women in Euripides' early plays differ from societal expectations in Athens?

In Euripides' early plays, women like Phaedra, Medea, and Alcestis defy societal expectations by displaying intellectual depth, emotional complexity, and autonomy, challenging the traditional roles of women as passive and subservient to men.

Why is the character of Medea considered an anomaly in Greek tragedy?

Medea is considered an anomaly because she is not a Greek woman, but a barbarian. This allows for more extreme and uncharacteristic behavior, which would be viewed as an anomaly in Greek society, highlighting her foreignness as the reason for her actions.

What role does the concept of 'Sophia' (wisdom) play in the relationship between Pericles and Aspasia?

Sophia, or wisdom, is central to the relationship between Pericles and Aspasia. Pericles admired Aspasia for her intellectual prowess, which set her apart from other women in Athens. This intellectual connection contributed to their deep affection and mutual respect.