Play: Seven Against Thebes

Introduction and also Background
"Seven Against Thebes" is a Greek catastrophe created by the old playwright Aeschylus, and also it was first executed in 467 BCE. The play is the 3rd component of a trilogy of dramatization based on the story of the cursed House of Laius, which likewise includes the plays "Laius" as well as "Oedipus". Nevertheless, these 2 previous works have actually currently been lost. The plot of "Seven Against Thebes" complies with the tale of Oedipus' two sons called Eteocles and Polynices, who fight for the throne of Thebes. As anticipated by their daddy, the dispute finishes in a tragic manner, causing the destruction of the city as well as the death of lots of characters.

The Prologue
The play starts with Eteocles, the younger boy of Oedipus, dealing with the citizens of Thebes from the palace steps. He mentions the threats that they deal with from the intrusion launched by his older brother Polynices and his allies (six various other chieftains). In an effort to stay clear of menstruation that was enforced upon their household after the discovery of their daddy's sins, Eteocles and also Polynices had actually accepted share the throne, rotating their policy of Thebes every year. Nonetheless, Eteocles rejects to pass the crown when the time comes, leading to Polynices gathering a force to claim his right to rule.

Eteocles calls for his army to prepare themselves for the upcoming fight against their adversaries. The residents are worried regarding the series of events, and a chorus of Theban women regrets the scenario as well as hopes to the gods for protection.

The Messenger's News
A messenger shows up, exposing the identity as well as placement of the rival pressures at each of the city's 7 entrances. Each gateway is to be safeguarded by a Theban chieftain, while the assaulters are led by Polynices and also six various other captains. The carrier defines each opponent's strategy, their picked symbol, and also the technique for breaching the city walls.

Eteocles is tasked with appointing one protector to each gateway, looking for the most ideal match to counter the assaulters' strategies. He replays to the messenger that he appreciates the information but he does not rely on the power of their symbols as well as he will certainly make his decisions based upon the abilities and also nerve of his males. Meanwhile, the carolers remains to lament the fate of Thebes and also its defenders.

Eteocles and Polynices Face Off
After appointing the 7 protectors, Eteocles announces that he will face Polynices himself at the final entrance. The chorus of women argues against his choice, advising him of the curse that their dad Oedipus had actually articulated, which prophesied the brothers would certainly pass away by each other's hand.

However, Eteocles is figured out as well as firmly insists that he must do whatever is necessary to defend their city. The carolers remains to plead with the gods to commiserate as well as conserve their priceless city from devastation.

Conclusion and Aftermath
The play does not portray the actual fights of the siege, but it ends with a carrier introducing that the aggressors have been beat. Nonetheless, the prophecy has actually come to life, and also both Eteocles as well as Polynices have eliminated each other in combat.

As the city grieves the loss of the two brothers, their siblings Antigone as well as Ismene enter the phase to grieve as well as do funeral ceremonies for their dropped brother or sisters. The best fate of Thebes enters into question, and also the story is proceeded in the later play "Antigone" by Sophocles.

"Seven Against Thebes" highlights the styles of destiny, self-sacrifice, as well as the effects of pride and also passion. The play is a classic Greek misfortune, using its remarkable storytelling to discover the experience of human suffering and also the role of fate in the lives of its personalities.