Polyxena the manly maiden. Death as free will in Euripides’ Hecuba

Abstract

The Hecuba, staged with all probability in the period between 424 and 418 BC, is a play of reciprocity and revenge. Yet, the two are linked to each other, because it is precisely the failure of reciprocity which gives rise to the most heinous revenge. The Argives deny Hecuba χάρις (gratitude, reciprocity) in two circumstances, both involving the death of her children. Although the latter, namely Agamemnon not punishing Polymestor for having killed Polydorus in cold blood in order to take his gold, is actually the straw that breaks the camel’s back, the former, which is Polyxena’s sacrifice, is undoubtedly the first occasion in which the Argives show their lack of consideration for φιλία (regard, friendship) and δίκη (justice). [excerpt]