Great Books Ep 88. Euripides - Hecuba. Thinking about Dogs, Our Best Friends
Our attitude about dogs has changed over the years. Dogs are the epitome of loyalty, and there is much for humans to learn from them.
“Die shalt thou; and to thy tomb shall be given a name—“The hapless hound’s grave,” a mark for mariners.”
~ ‘Hecuba’ by Euripides (Edward P. Coleridge translation. GB5 - p. 363)
Brief Summary
The play starts with a monologue from Polydore, Priam and Hecuba’s son. He was sent to Thrace at the beginning of the Trojan War for safety, under the protection of Thracian king Polymestor who was Priam’s friend. At the time, Polydore was a child and he lived well at the Thracian court while his brother Hector was defending well and winning the war. But once Troy fell, Polymestor kills him, takes his gold and throws him into the sea. Polydore is now a ghost and says that Achilles’ ghost is blocking the Greeks from setting sail home asking for Polyxena to be sacrificed. He feels sad for his mother Hecuba, who after having lost most of her children is about to know about the loss of two more.
Hecuba comes on stage and laments her state of being reduced from a Queen to a slave. She is informed of the decision by Greeks to appease Achilles’ ghost by sacrificing Polyxena and is distraught. As she talks about this to her daughter, Odysseus arrives to take Polyxena away. Hecuba tries different tactics to avoid Polyxena being killed - she reminds Odysseus that she had spared his life when he came as a spy into the Trojan camp, she says Helen must be sacrificed as she is the root cause of the war, she also offers herself. But Odysseus does not relent. Polyxena bravely accepts her fate and goes with him.
Talthybius, the Greek Herald, enters and tells Hecuba that she needs to bury her daughter. He tells her details of how Polyxena died with nobility and grace. Hecuba asks her maid to go to the sea and fetch water to wash the body. The maid comes in after some time, carrying a corpse, which turns out to be that of Hecuba’s son Polydore. She is shocked and realizes that Polymestor has killed her son and cast him away on the sea. Agamemnon comes in asking why Hecuba has not come to bury her daughter in spite of him sending the Herald. She tells him about her son’s death and pleads him to let her take revenge on Polymestor. Agamemnon is skeptical that she can do anything against Polymestor, but agrees to let Hecuba do what she wants to.
Polymestor comes in showing sympathy to Hecuba. She asks him about her son and the gold and he says her son is safe and the gold also and he hasn’t touched anything. Hecuba says there is another store of gold in the tent and asks him and his sons to go in. After a while cries are heard and Hecuba tells the Chorus that she has blinded Polymestor and killed his children. Polymestor comes out and cries out at his state of being blinded and his children being murdered. After hearing the commotion Agamemnon comes in. Hecuba defends herself saying Polymestor killed her son, violating the rules of hospitality and betrayed their trust for greed. Polymestor defends himself saying he killed the boy since Troy had fallen and there was a possibility that he would rebuild Troy and Greeks would have to come again to fight another war. Polymestor curses Hecuba. He says she will turn into a dog and will be buried in a tomb that sailors will use as a landmark. He says her daughter Cassandra will die. He also tells Agamemnon that he will die at the hands of his wife. Agamemnon asks his men to exile Polymestor in a deserted island and ask Hecuba to bury her children.
My Thoughts
It looks like there were two Thracian kings, each supporting different sides. Rhesus was Euripides’ first play in the book, and he had supported Trojans. Polymestor supported the Greeks.
I was wondering why Hecuba was turned into a dog in the story. Why not a cat, deer, cow or some other animal? What was the significance of a dog during the Trojan War times? Dogs were domesticated by then and mostly used for hunting. Probably, the Greeks did bring dogs with them on their ships. Probably, there were stray dogs in Troy, too. I was reminded of Ulysses’ dog Argos, which was too old by the time he returned. He returned after 20 years, that itself seems to be an unusually long life for a dog. It is a story, so dogs can live longer, and people like Teiresias can live for 6-7 generations. I was also surprised at the reference to the tomb of a dog. I would have imagined that having a named tomb for a dog was totally a modern thing. I read an article that said that dogs are entering a third wave of domestication1. They are now mostly sedentary, sleep on our beds and are comfort animals than animals of protection. They are as docile as they come. I guess if you do a ratio of meekness vs intelligence, dogs would come out on top. Jesus’ quote - ‘Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth’ is so true for dogs. I guess, as a species, their numbers are much larger than what evolution would have allowed if not for their relationship with humans. Dogs are the epitome of loyalty, and there is much for humans to learn from them. Even though they are docile and loving, if an intruder comes home, they can turn from being docile to ferocious within seconds. That’s probably what makes dogs endearing and valuable to us - they are adaptable, they combine strength with gentleness, and they are ever loyal.
AI Response to the Post
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Text Response (Gemini)
It’s wonderful that you’re engaging with Hecuba on such a deep level! Your observations about the dogs are very interesting, and your summary captures the play’s tragic essence well. Let’s delve into your thoughts and explore the play further:
1. Dogs, Their Evolution, and Treatment
You’re right to pick up on the significance of the dog imagery. Hecuba’s transformation into a dog is more than just a random curse; it’s laden with symbolic meaning.
Dogs in ancient Greece: As you noted, dogs were domesticated in ancient Greece, but their status was complex. They were valued for hunting and guarding, but also associated with scavenging and the underworld. They occupied a liminal space – both familiar and wild, loyal and dangerous.
Hecuba’s transformation: Turning Hecuba into a dog is a form of dehumanization. It strips her of her queenly status and reduces her to a creature associated with wildness and outcast status. This reflects the brutal reality of war, where even the most noble can be brought low.
Evolution of dog-human relationships: Your observation about the “third wave” of domestication is insightful. Dogs have gone from working partners to companions, reflecting our changing needs and values. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of human-animal relationships and how they reflect our own cultural shifts.
Argos and loyalty: The story of Odysseus’ dog Argos, who recognizes his master after 20 years, is a powerful example of canine loyalty. In Hecuba, the dog imagery might also be a twisted reflection of this loyalty, suggesting that even in her dehumanized state, Hecuba retains a fierce devotion to her family and a desire for revenge.
2. Deeper Analysis of Themes and Symbolism
Revenge and Justice: Hecuba grapples with the cyclical nature of violence and the complexities of revenge. Hecuba’s actions raise questions about whether revenge can ever truly bring justice or only perpetuates further suffering.
The Suffering of Women: The play highlights the particular vulnerability of women in war. Hecuba and Polyxena are both victims of the conflict, their fates decided by men. This theme resonates even today, as women continue to be disproportionately affected by war and displacement.
Loss and Grief: The play is a profound exploration of grief and loss. Hecuba’s journey through the play is a descent into despair as she confronts the deaths of her children. This theme is universal and timeless, reminding us of the enduring power of grief.
The Fragility of Fortune: Hecuba’s fall from queen to slave underscores the fragility of fortune and the capriciousness of fate. This theme serves as a reminder that even those in power are not immune to the vicissitudes of life.
Lessons for Today’s World
The Human Cost of War: Hecuba offers a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war, not just in terms of physical destruction but also the psychological and emotional toll it takes on individuals and communities.
Empathy and Compassion: The play encourages us to empathize with those who suffer, even those we might consider our enemies. Hecuba’s story reminds us that everyone is capable of both great suffering and great resilience.
The Importance of Justice: While the play questions the efficacy of revenge, it also highlights the need for justice and accountability. Polymestor’s punishment, though brutal, underscores the importance of holding those in power responsible for their actions.
3. Thought-Provoking Questions for Modern Readers
How does the play portray the relationship between the individual and the state? Hecuba’s conflict with the Greek leaders raises questions about the limits of individual agency in the face of political power.
Is revenge ever justified? Hecuba’s quest for revenge forces us to confront the moral complexities of retribution and the cyclical nature of violence.
How does the play depict the impact of trauma on the human psyche? Hecuba’s descent into despair offers a powerful portrayal of the psychological effects of loss and trauma.
What does the play say about the role of women in society? The tragic fates of Hecuba and Polyxena raise questions about the status of women in patriarchal societies and the ways in which they are often victimized by war and conflict.
How does the play’s ending leave you feeling? Does it offer any sense of closure or resolution? Or does it leave you with a sense of unease and unresolved questions?
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2024/10/service-dog-domestication-behavior/680240/