44 pages • 1 hour read
AeschylusThe Persians
Fiction | Play | Adult | BCEA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Persians by Aeschylus is a tragedy that follows the aftermath of King Xerxes of Persia’s failed invasion of Greece. The play begins with the Persian elders and Queen Atossa anxiously awaiting news from the war. Atossa's ominous dreams foreshadow the Persian defeat, which is later confirmed by a messenger. The ghost of Xerxes' father, Darius, is summoned and condemns Xerxes' hubris. Xerxes returns home in despair, and the play concludes with communal mourning over Persia's downfall.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Aeschylus' The Persians is praised for its historical significance and unique perspective, offering a poignant glimpse into the aftermath of the Battle of Salamis from the defeated Persians' viewpoint. Critics commend its emotional depth and innovative elements, though some feel its didactic tone and lack of dramatic tension may hinder engagement. A seminal yet polarizing work.
Who Should Read The Persians?
A reader who enjoys The Persians by Aeschylus would likely appreciate classical literature, ancient history, and tragic drama. Fans of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex or Euripides' Medea will find the exploration of fate, the divine, and human suffering compelling in Aeschylus' work.