Aeschylus Quotes
A collection of quotes by Aeschylus.
Aeschylus was an ancient Greek playwright, often considered the father of tragedy. Born around 525 BCE in Eleusis, near Athens, his life and works spanned the golden age of Athens. Aeschylus is known for his significant contributions to Greek theater and the development of dramatic conventions.
He fought in the Athenian army and participated in the Persian Wars, during which he experienced the Battle of Marathon. These experiences heavily influenced his literary works, as themes of heroism, war, and the eternal struggle between gods and mortals are prominent in his plays. His plays often tackled moral and ethical dilemmas, exploring the complexities of human condition and the consequences of actions.
Aeschylus introduced several theatrical innovations, such as increasing the number of actors on stage and elaborating on the role of the chorus. He is credited with expanding the dialogues between characters while reducing the role of the chorus, thus paving the way for future dramatic developments.
Of the seventy to ninety plays Aeschylus is believed to have written, only seven have survived in their entirety. These seven plays, known as the "Seven Against Thebes," "The Persians," "Prometheus Bound," "The Suppliants," "Agamemnon," "The Choephori," and "The Eumenides," demonstrate his ability to connect with audiences emotionally and intellectually.
Aeschylus's contributions to Greek tragedy helped establish the foundations of dramatic storytelling, and his plays remain influential in the theater world to this day. He passed away in 456 BCE and left behind a theatrical legacy that continues to captivate audiences centuries later.
