The True Helen: Identity and Characterization in Euripides

Ryan Walton, Oberlin CollegeFollow

Location

King Building 341

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-29-2016 2:45 PM

End Date

4-29-2016 3:45 PM

Abstract

Helen of Troy has been viewed as a paragon of feminine vice and infidelity for millennia. Euripides’ play Helen attempts to absolve her of the responsibility for the Trojan War by substituting a cloud image at Troy, setting her instead in Egypt. In my research, I contrast previous interpretations of Helen in The Iliad and The Odyssey with this new, blameless Helen to determine the characteristics that truly define her, and if she can ever be separated from her identity as the face that launched a thousand ships.

Notes

Session II, Panel 11 - Remake, Remodel: New Takes on Classic Representations
Moderator: Drew Wilburn, Associate Professor of Classics

Major

Greek Language and Literature

Advisor(s)

Kirk Ormand, Classics

Project Mentor(s)

Christopher Trinacty, Classics

April 2016

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Apr 29th, 2:45 PM Apr 29th, 3:45 PM

The True Helen: Identity and Characterization in Euripides

King Building 341

Helen of Troy has been viewed as a paragon of feminine vice and infidelity for millennia. Euripides’ play Helen attempts to absolve her of the responsibility for the Trojan War by substituting a cloud image at Troy, setting her instead in Egypt. In my research, I contrast previous interpretations of Helen in The Iliad and The Odyssey with this new, blameless Helen to determine the characteristics that truly define her, and if she can ever be separated from her identity as the face that launched a thousand ships.