Cure At Troy
by Seamus Heaney

Name: Cure At Troy
Brand: Seamus Heaney
SKU: 9780571327652
Rating: 4.16 (1081 reviews)

Cure At Troy Book Cover — Cure At Troy Cover

Highlights

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Large Cast

British Adaptation Historical

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the power and beauty of Seamus Heaney's adaptation of Sophocles' Philoctetes, noting its relevance despite being written decades ago. Many feel that the poetic language adds depth to the ancient story, making it both moving and accessible. However, some prefer more straightforward translations and find the poetic style challenging.

Beautifully crafted adaptationEmotionally intelligent storytellingPowerful themes of healing and hopeSome prefer a prose translationCan feel obtuse without prior knowledge

Synopsis

Seamus Heaney's version of Sophocles's Philoctetes tells of the wounded hero marooned upon an island by the Greeks during the Siege of Troy.

As the conflict comes to a climax, the Greeks begin to realise they cannot win the Trojan war without Philoctetes's invincible bow, and turn back to seek his help.

The Cure at Troy dramatises the conflict between personal integrity and political expediency, and explores ways in which the victims of injustice can become as devoted to the contemplation of their wounds as the perpetrators are to the justification of their system.

Responsive to the Greek playwright's understanding of the relations between public and private morality, The Cure at Troy is a sharp, fast-paced retelling of the Greek original, shot through with Heaney's own Irish speech and context.

History says, Don't hope On this side of the grave.

But then, once in a lifetime The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up, And hope and history rhyme.