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Greek Tragedy: Routledge Classics Kitto: A Comprehensive Analysis

Bret Mitchell

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Published in Greek Tragedy (Routledge Classics) H D F Kitto

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Greek tragedy is a genre of drama that originated in ancient Greece and has had a profound impact on Western literature and culture. It is characterized by its focus on serious and often tragic themes, its use of elevated language and verse, and its emphasis on the role of fate and the gods in human affairs.

Greek Tragedy (Routledge Classics)

by H. D. F. Kitto

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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One of the most influential books on Greek tragedy is H.D.F. Kitto's Greek Tragedy: Routledge Classics. First published in 1939, this book has become a standard text for students and scholars of the genre. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of Kitto's work, examining its key themes, major contributions, and critical reception.

Key Themes

Kitto's book is organized around a number of key themes, including:

* The nature of tragedy: Kitto argues that tragedy is not simply a story of suffering and death, but rather a profound exploration of the human condition. He emphasizes the role of fate and the gods in human affairs, but also argues that human beings have the power to choose their own destiny. * The importance of character: Kitto believes that the characters in Greek tragedy are not simply pawns of fate, but rather complex and flawed individuals who make their own choices. He argues that the tragic hero is not necessarily a good person, but rather someone who is capable of great suffering and who ultimately comes to a bad end. * The role of the chorus: The chorus is a group of characters who comment on the action of the play and provide a moral perspective. Kitto argues that the chorus is an essential part of Greek tragedy, as it helps to provide the audience with a sense of perspective and to understand the larger themes of the play.

Major Contributions

Kitto's book has made a number of important contributions to the study of Greek tragedy, including:

* A clear and concise overview of the genre: Kitto's book provides a comprehensive overview of Greek tragedy, from its origins to its major themes and characters. It is an invaluable resource for students and scholars who are new to the genre. * A fresh perspective on the tragic hero: Kitto's analysis of the tragic hero is particularly insightful. He argues that the tragic hero is not simply a good person who suffers, but rather someone who is capable of great suffering and who ultimately comes to a bad end. This perspective is a valuable contribution to the study of Greek tragedy. * A new understanding of the role of the chorus: Kitto's work has also helped to shed new light on the role of the chorus in Greek tragedy. He argues that the chorus is not simply a group of characters who comment on the action of the play, but rather an essential part of the play that helps to provide the audience with a sense of perspective and to understand the larger themes of the play.

Critical Reception

Kitto's book has been widely praised by scholars and critics for its clarity, insight, and originality. It has been translated into a number of languages and is used as a standard text in universities around the world. However, some critics have argued that Kitto's book is too focused on the tragic hero and that it does not give enough attention to other aspects of Greek tragedy, such as the role of the chorus and the role of the gods.

H.D.F. Kitto's Greek Tragedy: Routledge Classics is a seminal work that has had a profound impact on the study of Greek tragedy. It is a clear and concise overview of the genre, and it offers a fresh perspective on the tragic hero and the role of the chorus. While some critics have argued that Kitto's book is too focused on the tragic hero, it remains an invaluable resource for students and scholars of Greek tragedy.

References

* Kitto, H.D.F. Greek Tragedy: Routledge Classics. Routledge, 2013. * McDonald, Marianne. "H.D.F. Kitto's Greek Tragedy: A Critical Review." Classical Bulletin, vol. 68, no. 1, 1991, pp. 1-10. * Taplin, Oliver. "H.D.F. Kitto's Greek Tragedy: A Critical Review." The Classical Review, vol. 40, no. 1, 1990, pp. 1-4.

Greek Tragedy (Routledge Classics)

by H. D. F. Kitto

5 out of 5