A Comparative Study of Aeschylus and Sophocles

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a comparative and parallel study of the dramatic art of the most prominent Greek dramatists Aeschylus and Sophocles. The writer discusses the similarities and differences between the two tragic poets, both in terms of style and content, and explains how each dramatist uses the chorus. The writer also explains that where the dramatic art of Sophocles is characterized by accomplished symmetry and harmonious grace, that of Aeschylus is hard, grand and severe, and Aeschylus (referred to as the 'Master of the Grotesque') is rightly acknowledged as the inventor of scenic pomp and hyperbole. The writer believes that Sophocles' art of characterization is more complex than Aeschylus and explains how Sophocles uses the third actor to place the audience in a position to judge the chief character from at least three points of view. The writer further asserts that unlike Aeschylus, who is simple and direct, Sophocles carries an explicit irony in his plays and he presents not only the problems, but suggests the solutions also to the intricacies of human life in relation to the cosmic and social order. The writer concludes that, as a modern reader, Sophocles is the greater of the two dramatists.

From the Paper:

"Of the precious and inexhaustible treasure of the Greek endeavours in the realm of tragedy, very little has come down to the readers. We are aware of the names of a few tragedians with Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides being the being the most prominent. And with these three too, a very little of the whole number of works is left. The extant dramas are those that had been selected by the Alexandrian critics for the study of Greek literature. The reason for being their choice by the critics was their affordability as the best illustration of the various styles of tragic art. Regarding Aeschylus and Sophocles, (the two subjects of this term paper) we are left with seven pieces remaining of each."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hamilton, Edith. The Greek Way. Rev.ed. The Modern Library: New York, 1942
• Kitto, H.D.F. Greek Tragedy A Literary Study. Rev. ed. Methuen and Co: New York, 1981
• Mullik, B.R. The Theory of Drama. Allied Book Corporation: Karachi
• Rose, H.J. A Handbook of Greek Literature. Rev ed. Methuen and Co: London,1964
• Theatre History. Com. "Sophocles and His Tragedies". Bates, Alfred. The Drama, Its History, Literature and Influence on Civilization, vol 1. Historical Publishing Company: London, 1906 <http://www.theatrehistory.com/ancient/sophocles001.html

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