Seven Against Thebes

Definition

Seven Against Thebes is a Greek tragedy by Aeschylus that depicts the legendary battle between the seven champions who lay siege to the city of Thebes. The play emphasizes themes of fate, divine intervention, and the consequences of familial curses, showcasing the intersection of mythology and Greek history as it reflects on the societal beliefs and values of ancient Greece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Seven Against Thebes is one of three plays about the Theban cycle written by Aeschylus, with the other two being 'Oedipus Rex' and 'Antigone'.
2. The seven champions in the story are each named after their respective cities and include notable figures like Capaneus and Tydeus.
3. The play features a strong emphasis on the theme of fate versus free will, showcasing how characters struggle against their predetermined destinies.
4. Divine intervention plays a crucial role in the story, illustrating how the gods influence human affairs and decisions in ancient Greek beliefs.
5. The tragic ending of the play serves as a cautionary tale about pride and hubris, particularly through the character of Eteocles, who meets a disastrous fate as he confronts his brother Polynices.

Review Questions

• How does Aeschylus portray the theme of fate in Seven Against Thebes?
  • In Seven Against Thebes, Aeschylus illustrates the theme of fate through the characters' struggles against their preordained destinies. The story highlights how Oedipus's curse continues to haunt his descendants, showing that no matter their choices or efforts, they cannot escape their fates. This sense of inevitability serves to reinforce the belief in a higher power governing human lives in ancient Greek culture.
• Analyze how divine intervention influences the events in Seven Against Thebes.
  • Divine intervention is a critical element in Seven Against Thebes, shaping key decisions and outcomes throughout the play. Characters often invoke the gods for guidance or assistance, reflecting their reliance on divine will. For instance, Athena's involvement highlights her protective nature over Thebes, while other gods' actions can lead to chaos and destruction. This interplay between mortal choices and divine influence emphasizes the complexities of human existence within Greek mythology.
• Evaluate the significance of familial curses in Seven Against Thebes and their impact on character motivations.
  • Familial curses are central to Seven Against Thebes, deeply affecting character motivations and actions. The play shows how Oedipus's tragic fate reverberates through his children, particularly Eteocles and Polynices, as they grapple with their inherited destinies. This creates a dramatic tension as they struggle against their family's dark legacy while attempting to assert their own identities. The exploration of these curses not only drives the plot but also reflects broader themes of guilt, responsibility, and the relentless grip of history in Greek culture.

Related terms

Oedipus: A tragic figure in Greek mythology, Oedipus is the king of Thebes whose fate leads him to unwittingly kill his father and marry his mother, thus setting off a curse on his family.

Theban Cycle: A series of myths and legends related to the city of Thebes, including stories about Oedipus, his children, and the subsequent conflicts surrounding Thebes.

Chorus: A group of performers in ancient Greek theater that comments on the action of the play, often reflecting the moral and social values of the time.