'The Persians' Play Flashcards
Learn the details of the context of the play as well as identifying specific quotes and who they are said by.
Who was the play written by?
Aeschylus
When was the play first performed?
472BC
Where is the play set?
At the royal place of Xerxes in Susa.
Name all the characters of the play and their roles.
Chorus of Persian Elders, Atossa (mother of Xerxes), a messenger, Ghost of Darius (father of Darius) and Xerxes (King of Persia).
What does the play lack that is conventional of most plays, and why?
A prologue. This is deemed unnecessary in this situation because the events occurred only 8 years prior to the play being performed.
'’The flower of all your youth has fallen’’ Who says this and what does it reference?
The messenger.
Who would be seated amongst the audience?
War veterans
Which battle does the play reference?
Battle of Salamis
Name the 4 main themes of the play
- Hubris
- Emphasis on Persian youth/weakness/femininity
- Divine Intervention
- Wealth
- Greek strength
'’Soft skinned Lydians’’ Who says this and what does it reference?
The Chorus.
What is yoking?
In this instance, it is referencing Xerxes trying to tame the sea by building a bridge across the Hellespont
'’Terms: to see on land her fame’’ Who says this and what does it reference?
The Chorus.
It outlines the terms that the gods have placed upon the Persians - they are NOT a sea power! Explains their loss at the Battle of Salamis.
'’That cloak my heart in fear’’ Who says this and what does it reference?
The Chorus.
It suggests the theme of mourning and the colour black as well as foreshadowing the tearing of Xerxes’ clothes at the end of the play.
Why is the fact that Atossa represents Persia significant?
Emphasises the idea that Persia is feminine and creates an image of an ageing empire because she is old
What were the traditional weapons of the Greeks and the Persians?
Greeks = Spears
Persians = Bows and arrows
