Abstract
In the midst of the current global health crisis, there is ongoing discussion about the need to cultivate resilience, that is, the ability to survive tragic events, adversity and prolonged stress. This paper engages in a reading of Euripides’ Heracles, a bold and disturbing tragedy in which the eponymous hero suffers several striking reversals of fortune. After being victimized by Hera and unwittingly destroying his family, Heracles resolves to commit suicide. Only two hundred lines later, he resolves to continue to live. This change in outlook is remarkable given the traumatic events that he has just suffered. How does Heracles find the strength to endure? What factors bring about this positive change in Heracles’ perspective? This paper will draw on findings from modern resilience research to shed light on Heracles’ decision. It will discuss the complex combination of internal and external factors that play into Heracles’ change of mind. I argue that the processes that Euripides portrays in his play dramatize many of the protective factors that are said to promote resilience in real life.
Highlights
Heracles’ rejection of suicide, in favour of examining the range of factors that contribute to resilience according to studies from modern psychology
Heracles possibly regain his self-confidence after committing such acts of madness resilience; Heracles; Theseus; anorinnocent victim of
The image of Heracles leaning upon Theseus mirrors the proven resilience of the aged members of the chorus: weary war veterans who physically and emotionally lean upon each other as they make their way through life (126–30)
Summary
Heracles10:is44.not just a psychologically dramatization of madness; it ness; it is a thought-provoking enquiry into heroism 41–42), while others see a newfound commitment to human solidarity to fate others see a newfound commitment to human solidarity or to fat tral with March founded on love” It is the saving grace of philia claims in published maps and institu-p. For Heracles’ Licensee rejection of suicide is impossible: rather, perhaps examining the range of. Heracles’ rejection of suicide, in favour of examining the range of factors that contribute to resilience according to studies from modern psychology. I argue that resilience studies can provide a useful framework for analysing the complex combination of internal and external factors that contribute to Heracles’ decision
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
