Influence of Greek tragedy in the Gospel of John

Abstract

My first encounter with the beauty of Greek Tragedy came quite early in life. It was as an introduction to Shakespeare, during a literature lesson with Fr Philip Grech SDB who firmly believed that one cannot grasp a Shakespearean tragedy without having at least a notion of Greek Tragedy. I was then fourteen years old, but Aristotle's definition of "the downfall of the great due to some hamartia" stud'-. This definition and the Greek myths I had read somehow sprang to mind whilst reading the Gospel of John when attending the course on this Gospel being given by Fr Martin Micallef OFMCap. This awakening interest leu me to the Greek works and my Inkling seemed promising. I had the opportunity to discuss this matter during a particularly animated lecture on Jn 18-19. Fr Martin encouraged me, stating I was "in good company" and suggested a number of books on the topic. I was further encouraged by R. Alan Culpepper, to whom I am grateful for finding time to answer my correspondence and for the further literature he suggested. The suggested literature gave structure to what was first an instinct and the depth they uncovered served to enhance the beauty of the texts, both of the Gospel and the Greek Tragedies. Thus I decided to work upon a coherent study which aimed at showing that the Gospel of John seems to have Greek tragic influences. The project was ambitious, sometimes arduous, but always a pleasure. I consider it a privilege to have in hand two great works of literature that have helped to shape European thought. I would therefore like to thank my tutor Fr Martin Micallef for his guidance and availability. I am also grateful to the Faculty of theology for prov1dmg such an opportunity. My deepest gratitude extends to those who, not only encouraged me to embark on this course and were always ready to share the burden. Lastly, I would like to dedicate this work to the late Fr Philip Grech, who provided the first inspiration and for sowing in me a love for the beauty of knowledge.