The young Neoptolemus is dispatched by Odysseus on a crucial mission. His task is to retrieve the bow of Philoctetes, who has been callously abandoned by the Greeks on the desolate island of Lemnos. This bow is of utmost importance as it shoots invincible arrows, and the Greeks are well aware that they have no hope of conquering Troy without it. However, the only feasible way for Neoptolemus to obtain the bow from Philoctetes is to feign that he too has had a falling out with the Greeks.

Throughout the story, there are numerous twists and turns. But eventually, a divine intervention occurs, which helps to resolve the complex plot in a more positive and cheerful manner than seemed possible for most of its duration. (It should be noted that this is not a spoiler as the chorus makes it clear in the very first speech of the play that such an event will take place.)

Appreciating a play solely from the script can often be a challenging task, at least for me. However, I found myself truly enjoying this particular play. In particular, I was impressed by Seamus Heaney's masterful use of Ulster turns of phrase, which赋予 the characters a distinct and vivid voice. It is a psychological story that can be effectively told with minimal scenery, relying instead on the power of the dialogue and the emotions of the characters. I would definitely be willing to pay to see this play performed on stage.

https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/the-cure-at-troy-by-seamus-heaney/

I truly had a great affinity for the themes of candor versus canniness and private morality versus public duty.

The translation was not only extremely well-phrased but also exuded an air of elegance.

All these aspects were indeed quite good. However, just as is the pattern in most Greek drama, this particular piece involved some individuals engaging in discussions about various matters.

The way the talking was executed was very well done. Despite the artful verse, the emotion came across as highly genuine.

But, and perhaps you might call me a philistine for this, I couldn't help but feel that more could actually take place.

There was a sense that the story could have been further developed or that some additional action or events could have been incorporated to make it even more engaging and impactful.

Nonetheless, the themes and the quality of the translation were still quite remarkable and值得欣赏.

Reading Madeline Circe put me in the mood for more Odysseus. So, I made the decision to reread this play that has been sitting on my shelves since college. Ostensibly, I even wrote an essay about it at some point. However, when I looked at my annotations in the margins, they were rather uninspiring. This led me to suspect that it was not a great essay.

I have a great deal of affection for this play and its language. It has a unique quality that makes it feel both ancient and modern simultaneously. I'm aware that this is an obvious interpretation. The rhythm and the near rhymes in the play are so fluid. They give a sense of movement to the story, making it progress quickly. It's truly a remarkable piece of work that continues to captivate me even on this reread.

Heaney's version, presented in the form of a play, unfolds the captivating story of Philoctetes. Philoctetes set sail with the Greeks towards Troy. However, during the journey, he sustained a foot wound. The excruciating pain from the wound caused him to wail loudly, which proved to be a major distraction for the Greeks. As a result, they marooned Philoctetes on the desolate island of Lemnos and promptly forgot about him. This state of affairs persisted until nearly the conclusion of the Trojan War. At that point, the Greeks realized that they needed Philoctetes and his powerful bow in order to ultimately defeat the Trojans. Consequently, they dispatched Odysseus and Neoptolomus (the son of Achilles) to retrieve the bow. This play was a fairly quick read, yet it offered an interesting and unique interpretation of the ancient Greek style of play, providing readers with a fresh perspective on this classic tale.

To End the Endless War

Seamus Heaney's 1990 play "The Cure at Troy" is a significant work. It's not just a translation of Sophocles' "Philoctetes" but has a deeper political purpose. Heaney confessed that it was a tribute to Nelson Mandela, who was released from prison that year, and also a reflection of the Troubles in his own Northern Ireland. To understand what Heaney was doing with his version, one must first know the original story. Philoctetes, a great archer with Herakles' bow and arrows, was abandoned on Lemnos due to a festering wound. Years later, the Greeks learn that Troy won't fall without him. Odysseus sends Neoptolemus to deceive Philoctetes into rejoining the army. The play explores themes of morality, honor, and deception.

Heaney's translation has its own特点. He uses no-nonsense everyday diction, which is a hallmark of his translations. There are also moments when an Irish lilt comes through the text. Heaney has added his own touches, especially in the Choruses. The new opening, which is not in the original Sophocles, works perfectly and reflects the extremism in Northern Ireland. The most poetic writing is reserved for the Chorus. Heaney also transforms the "deus-ex-machina" arrival of Herakles, making it more relevant to the twentieth century. The play's new title, "The Cure at Troy," hints at a positive outcome, but Heaney is cautious, as seen in the expanded final chorus.

"The Cure at Troy" is a powerful play that combines the ancient with the modern. It shows Heaney's skill as a translator and a poet. The play explores universal themes that are still relevant today, such as suffering, justice, and hope. It also reflects on the specific situation in Northern Ireland and the need for reconciliation. Heaney's work is a reminder that literature can have a profound impact on society and can help us understand the world around us.

As ever, Heaney's verse is spare and affecting.

Here, it takes the form of presenting human action and interaction in a rough, unadorned manner. This style powerfully lays bare the crucial questions of morality and justice that underlie them.

Admittedly, this is not in the same league as Heaney's wonderful translation of Sophocles' "Antigone", which is more a critique of the source material than of the translation.

However, it's still worth a read for anyone with a close interest in either the events and characters of the Trojan War, or issues of social justice.

I was particularly intrigued by the play's positive treatment of Achilles' son, Neopteolemus. In most of his other appearances in literature, he is portrayed more as a mindless butcher than as the noble young idealist of "The Cure at Troy".

This different portrayal offers a fresh perspective and makes one think more deeply about the complex nature of characters and the various interpretations that can be made.

Overall, Heaney's work in "The Cure at Troy" is a valuable contribution to the exploration of these themes.

A quick and easy read, which is written by my favorite poet. I vividly remember seeing a list of Bill Clinton's Five Favorite Books once, and astonishingly, this very book was on that list. Otherwise, it's highly likely that I may have never come across this remarkable piece of literature.

It's a captivating retelling of a fifth century BC story. The story revolves around a soldier who possesses an invincible bow. This bow is not just an ordinary weapon; it holds great significance and power within the context of the narrative. As the story unfolds, we are taken on a journey through the soldier's adventures and challenges, all while the invincible bow plays a crucial role in shaping the events.

The author's unique writing style brings this ancient story to life, making it accessible and engaging for modern readers. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make it easy to immerse oneself in the world of the fifth century BC. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for an entertaining read, this book is sure to satisfy.

Quality Rating: Five Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Four Stars

I had completely forgotten the profound love I have for classical literature and theatre, not to mention Seamus Heaney's remarkable translations. The part that Philoctetes played in the Trojan War was truly an unknown aspect to me. Therefore, it was incredibly interesting to explore this mythology through the unique perspective of poetry for a change.

Nonetheless, this is a story that is both simple and yet deeply moving and philosophical. It delves into themes such as self-pity, morality, and fate. What I particularly adored was how Heaney effectively emphasized the fact that these Greek heroes were often overcome by arrogance and a sense of self-pity, even when the broader picture was sometimes just out of their immediate view.

This work serves as a reminder of the timelessness of these themes and the power of literature to bring them to life in a new and engaging way. It has reignited my passion for classical literature and has left me with a greater appreciation for the art of translation and the ability of poets to capture the essence of ancient myths.

I have an absolute passion for this book. It has truly captured my heart and imagination.

What I really desire is a gender-bend version of it. In that version, I envision myself playing the slightly deranged Philoctetes. The thought of taking on that role and bringing it to life in a unique way is simply thrilling.

Moreover, I long to see this wonderful story performed on stage or screen. Witnessing the characters and their adventures unfold before my eyes would be an amazing experience.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I loved this book. It has left an indelible mark on me.

And not only that, but I also want to own a copy of it. I want to hold it in my hands, flip through its pages, and give it a big hug. It would be a cherished possession.

That sums up my feelings for this remarkable book.

Many years ago, when I was deeply engaged in the study of classics, I came across this book.

In those bygone days, I was wholeheartedly attempting to master the language. At that time, I was blissfully ignorant of the harsh realities of suffering, chronic pain, abandonment, deceit, manipulation, or the process of learning wisdom through such arduous experiences.

Recently, it occurred to me that it was time to read this book once again. Sadly, to my disappointment, my library did not have the Seamus Heaney translation. However, Kathleen Freeman’s translation proved to be quite good.

As I delved into the pages once more, I found myself seeing the story from a completely different perspective. The words seemed to jump off the page, revealing new layers of meaning and depth that I had previously overlooked.

It was a truly eye-opening experience, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to revisit this classic work.

Strong, strong version of Sophocles’s drama of the abandoned Philoctetes.

He was an archer extraordinaire, left behind on the way to Troy. The reason was that a snake had bitten his foot, leaving him deranged with pain.

Odysseus and Achilles’s son embarked on a mission to bring his bow and arrows to Troy. A seer had prophesized that the city wouldn’t fall until Neoptolemus took to the battlefield with Philoctetes’s weapons.

Odysseus, the man of guile, and Neoptolemus, a guileless man, made an odd pair for this mission. Neoptolemus was needed as Odysseus was seen by Philoctetes as the main agent of his betrayal by his former comrades.

Neoptolemus reluctantly accepted Odysseus’s devious plan for a second betrayal. He was to befriend Philoctetes, secure his weapons, and then spirit him off his island of exile as a helpless prisoner.

However, Neoptolemus found pity and friendship and undid his successful betrayal. Then, with the help from the ghost of Hercules (the enchanted weapons’ original owner), he convinced Philoctetes that he was as he first appeared, an honorable and worthy man.

Moreover, Philoctetes must come along with his weapons to Troy to fulfill their common fates and rescue his countrymen.

Chorus:

This is truly terrible talk. I had always been led to believe
That suffering had the power to make people compassionate,
But in his case, it seems to have had the opposite effect. It has only made him harder,
As if all the pain he has endured has calloused his heart and closed him off from the emotions of others.

One would think that going through difficult times would open a person up, make them more empathetic and understanding. But here, it's as if the suffering has become a shield,
Protecting him from feeling too much, perhaps, but also preventing him from showing kindness and compassion. It's a sad state of affairs,
And it makes one wonder if there is any hope for him to break free from this hardness and rediscover the humanity within.