Invective in Greek Tragedy

A Means of Releasing or Escalating Tensions?

Abstract

This paper assesses the impact of invective in extant Greek tragedy, including its effects on the emotional status of both the speaker and the recipient, as well as on plot development. After presenting definitions of invective in general and in tragedy in particular, case studies of the use of various types of invective in Euripides’ Andromache and in twelve other tragedies are analyzed. The intention behind the invective is shown to be to belittle, shame, or otherwise harm the target of the invective. The factors affecting the emotional impact of this invective are discussed giving examples from extant tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. After this exploration of invective scenes in tragedy their roles are considered. The invective scenes are shown to enhance the audience experience of the tragedies by heightening plot tension, while also intensifying sympathy with those powerless characters who suffer verbal abuse and therefore contributing to the experience of catharsis.