How does Aeschylus contrast his presentation of the Persians and the Greeks?

In The Persians, Aeschylus' presentation of the Persians contrasts against his presentation of the Greeks. One of the primary differences between Persians and Greeks is the depiction of the notion of freedom. The Greek word for freedom - eleutheria - is the opposite of the word for slavery, and connotes freedom from rule by other people. The Hellenic forces are ordered to "set your country free" in a battle cry that rallies them in defence of Hellenic and Attic states, gods and families. It is worth noting that tragedy was a dramatic form closely linked to the development of democracy within Athens, and the staging of The Persians near the site that the Persians destroyed only a few years prior emphasises the relationship between Persian rule and an attack on democratic freedom.Furthermore, Aeschylus presents a dichotomy between the masculine Greeks and feminine Persians. The authority of the female Atossa, the feminine, emotional lamentation of Xerxes, and the effeminate luxuriousness of the Persians (Atossa's reference to the "gold furnished chamber" and her "vast wealth" being an example) contributes to their othering, and the conflict between East and West emphasises this gendered divide. Whilst the Persians embody excess in relation to tyrannical rule, the Greeks embody civic loyalty, and their superior battle strategy enhances their masculinity. Aeschylus even likely used oriental costumes to other the Persians in contrast to the Greeks.

EB
Answered by Emma B. Classical Civilisation tutor

3896 Views

See similar Classical Civilisation A Level tutors

Related Classical Civilisation A Level answers

All answers ▸

How are you qualified to teach Classical Civilisation at A Level?


Who do you consider to be the better hero in The Iliad, Achilles or Hektor?


How well did Cicero negotiate the dynamics of power during the Fall of the Roman Republic?


To what extent do the Roman sources praise women for the way they perform their duties and to what extent do they criticise them?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences