Good classical Greek play for a beginning reader?

[egomet_bonmot]

Hello good boardfolks! I've always had incredible luck with you guys and thanks...

I have a young classical Greek student who's ready for some literature, and I very much want to get her into a play as opposed to, say, Xenophon (she's a lot more excited when she's reading a part or parts aloud -- that goes for English too).

I'd be very grateful for any help or the suggestion of a title. For us at this point the ease of reading is most important -- comedy or tragedy is fine and we're not squeamish about subject matter. The kid is pretty well steeped in the mythology & heroic stories of the period (through d'Aulaire and the Greek reader Thrasymachus), but she probably wouldn't pick up the more obscure references of Aristophanes for instance (nor would her father). Aeschylus I've always heard is supremely difficult, and Euripides easier?? Help!!! (and thanks!)

Tim

[Ester Maria]

Honestly, I think whatever you may pick up, if it is a first reading in ancient Greek (i.e. if you have just finished grammar, without previous reading experience) and if you intend to do the whole work, is a potential overkill. I know that Xenophon and Herodotus are incredibly boring for most students, but there really is a sound pedagogy behind starting with historians, getting used to the flow of the language, then after some experience with them moving onto Homer / classical metrics, and having the drama left for the end of the sequence.

If I were in your position, I would probably allow the student to choose. Ajax maybe, Alcestis? Really, I have no idea what to suggest, I am significantly weaker in Greek than in Latin, but from what I recall those were some of the beginner drama options back in my days - though full works were typically not read at that point.

Regarding comedy... Menander maybe? No idea, really. I am probably of no help with this. :tongue_smilie:

[egomet_bonmot]

That's a big help Ester and thanks! I should have mentioned that she's had a year of grammar and a second one of reader, but I hear you on the Xenophon (how I learned) and Herodotus, who I hadn't considered. Since your mention of Alcestis chimes with a reply I got from HG on a different WTM thread, I'm gonna give that a shot first and keep the other two close by for fallbacks. Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply!