Vergil's Aeneid and Greek Tragedy: Ritual, Empire, and Intertext

ISBN: 0521895227

Author: Panoussi, Vassiliki

Condition: New

This is the first systematic study of the importance of Greek tragedy as a fundamental intertext for Vergils Aeneid. Vassiliki Panoussi argues that the epics representation of ritual acts, especially sacrifice, mourning, marriage, and maenadic rites, mobilizes a connection to tragedy. The tragic-ritual model offers a fresh look into the political and cultural function of the Aeneid, expanding our awareness of the poems scope, particularly in relation to gender, and presenting new readings of celebrated episodes, such as Anchises games, Amatas maenadic rites, Didos suicide, and the killing of Turnus. Panoussi offers a new argument for the epics ideological function beyond pro- and anti-Augustan readings. She interprets the Aeneid as a work that reflects the dynamic nature of Augustan ideology, contributing to the redefinition of civic discourse and national identity. In her rich study, readers will find a unique exploration of the complex relationship between Greek tragedy and Vergils Aeneid and a stimulating discussion of problems of gender, power, and ideology in ancient Rome.