Great Books Ep 80. Euripides - Heracleidae. Need for Family Safety Nets in the Age of Uncertainty
Great Books Ep 80. Euripides - Heracleidae. Need for Family Safety Nets in the Age of Uncertainty
Many families face challenges when they lose their primary breadwinner. in societies where women have limited access to education and economic opportunities, the loss is disastrous
“Without the will of heaven none is blest, none curst, I do maintain; nor doth the same house for ever tread the path of bliss; for one kind of fortune follows hard upon another; one man it brings to naught from his high estate, another though of no account it crowns with happiness.”
~ ‘Heracleidae’ by Euripides (Edward P. Coleridge translation. GB5 - p. 253)
Brief Summary
After Heracles’ death, his family is forced to flee their homeland since Eurystheus seeks to kill them. They (Heracles’ friend, Iolaus, his mother, Alcmena and his children) seek refuge in an altar in Athens. Eurystheus’ herald, Copreus, arrives and seeks to forcibly take the refugees back to Argos. Demophon, Theseus’ son, who rules over the place, gives them refuge in spite of Copreus’ threats. Due to this, the Argives launch an attack on Athens.
An oracle states that Athens needs to sacrifice a maiden of noble birth to ensure victory. Demophon is unwilling to sacrifice his own daughter or ask any of the Athenian citizens to do so. Heracles’ daughter Macaria comes forward to sacrifice herself. Iolaus, though an old man, goes to war along with Hyllus Heracles’ son and fights like a young man. They bring victory to Athens and capture Eurystheus.
Athens has a law against killing prisoners of war. But Alcmena wants Eurystheus to be executed for his crimes. She says that she would do it in such a way that she would obey the city as well as kill Eurystheus.
My Thoughts
It seems sad that the dependents of a famous man are orphaned and need to seek refuge after his death. It might parallel situations in the modern age when the main breadwinner of a family is a man, and if he dies, his wife and kids have to turn to others for protection and livelihood. It is more dire in patriarchal societies where women have less freedom, are less educated and have no job to sustain a family. From this perspective, it makes sense for women to work. By not allowing women to work or giving them opportunities to understand the world better, society sets them up for failure in case something happens to the man. Also, it makes sense to prepare and plan for the future once someone has a family. This includes taking insurance, creating wills, creating the necessary power of attorneys and taking care of financial planning ahead of time.
The other aspect is the support of extended families and the community. The trend towards nuclear families and keeping extended family away may not work well in these cases. You need support of people outside your family to thrive and in dire circumstances, just to live. When the main support for your family is lost, it is not just the financial hardship, but also the emotional hardship that one has to endure. During this time, the family might be prone to getting cheated or being taken advantage of in some way.
Highlights
Surely thou wilt get an evil name from the citizens, if for the sake of an old man with one foot in the grave, a mere shadow I may say, and for these children, thou wilt plunge into troublous waters.
excessive praise is apt to breed disgust;
A temple of the gods is an asylum open to the world.
Children have no fairer prize than this, the being born of a good and noble sire, and the power to wed from noble families;
whoso is enslaved by passion and makes a lowborn match, I cannot praise for leaving to his children a legacy of shame, to gratify himself.
For noble birth offers a stouter resistance to adversity than base parentage
the man who thinks he knows good generalship must see the foe not by messengers alone.
Now I, though in your cause I am as zealous as thou seest, yet will not slay my child, nor will I compel any of my subjects to do so against his will;
Why, cruel hope, didst thou then cheer my heart, though thou didst not mean to make the boon complete?
wise men ought to pray to get a wise man for their foe, and not a proud senseless fool; for so, even if by fortune flouted, one would meet with much consideration.
bear what heaven sends, and set a limit to thy soul's grief;
virtue's path leads through troublous ways.
Mere looks can wound no one, if the arm do naught.
For numerous is the offspring of Fate, that bringeth all to pass, and of Time, the son of Cronos.
I’m thinking of not adding the “AI chatbot response” section from now on. I haven’t received any feedback about whether it was useful or was just echoing back my thoughts or offering new ideas.
9/10 Update:
I got feedback that the AI chatbot response made my posts unique. So continuing with that.
Gemini (AI Chatbot) Response
When Pillars Crumble: Exploring the Aftermath of Loss and the Importance of Community in Euripides' "Heracleidae"
The tragic plight of Heracles' family in "Heracleidae," forced into exile and seeking refuge after his death, strikes a chord that resonates across centuries. Their struggle to survive without their protector and provider is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by countless families who lose their primary breadwinner. This hardship is amplified in societies where traditional gender roles limit women's access to education and economic opportunities. In such contexts, the loss of a husband or father can leave women and children particularly vulnerable.
The Burden on Families in the Modern Age:
The struggles depicted in "Heracleidae" are mirrored in numerous real-life and fictional narratives:
The Great Recession of 2008: Countless families lost their homes and livelihoods due to job losses and economic instability. This crisis highlighted the importance of financial preparedness and the need for social safety nets.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic caused widespread unemployment and financial hardship, disproportionately affecting women and people of color. Families who lost loved ones to the virus faced not only grief but also the sudden loss of income and support.
"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry: This play explores the struggles of an African American family in Chicago as they grapple with the loss of their patriarch and the challenges of achieving their dreams in a society rife with racism and discrimination.
"Nomadland" by Jessica Bruder (and the subsequent film adaptation): This non-fiction work and film follow individuals who, after losing their jobs and homes during the Great Recession, embrace a nomadic lifestyle in vans and RVs, highlighting the precariousness of economic security.
The Play's Timeless Themes and Symbolism:
Beyond the immediate struggle for survival, "Heracleidae" delves into deeper themes:
Sanctuary and Hospitality: The play underscores the importance of offering refuge and protection to those in need. Athens' willingness to grant sanctuary to Heracles' family, despite the risks, speaks to the enduring power of compassion and empathy.
Sacrifice and Duty: Macaria's selfless sacrifice for the sake of Athens raises questions about the obligations individuals have to their communities and the difficult choices that may arise in times of crisis.
Justice and Vengeance: Alcmena's unwavering pursuit of justice for Eurystheus's crimes explores the complexities of retribution and the tension between personal desires and societal norms.
Thought-Provoking Questions for Modern Readers:
"Heracleidae" prompts us to reflect on several important questions that remain relevant today:
How can we create a more equitable society where all individuals, regardless of gender, have access to education and economic opportunities?
What are our responsibilities towards refugees and displaced people? How can we ensure that those seeking sanctuary find safety and support?
In what ways can we balance individual needs and desires with the greater good of the community?
How do we navigate the complexities of justice and ensure that both individual and societal needs are met?