Aeschylus (c. 525–456 BCE): The Father of Tragedy

Quick Summary: Aeschylus transformed Greek rituals into true drama by introducing the second actor. His works explore grand themes of divine justice, fate, and the evolution of civic order. Essential study notes for UGC NET aspirants.

Bust of Aeschylus Father of Greek Tragedy — Aeschylus (c. 525–456 BCE) - The innovator of Greek Drama.

Why is Aeschylus called the "Father of Tragedy"?

Aeschylus is widely revered as the "Father of Tragedy" because he fundamentally changed the structure of theatre. Before him, theatre consisted primarily of a single chorus and one actor, limiting performance to narration rather than interaction.

The Second Actor: Aeschylus introduced the second actor. This allowed two characters to speak to each other on stage, creating dialogue, conflict, and drama for the first time.
From Ritual to Drama: This innovation shifted theatre from religious choral recitation into actual dramatic action.
Core Themes: His plays grapple with immense concepts: fate, guilt, the will of the gods, and human responsibility.

Prometheus Bound: Rebellion and Suffering

In Prometheus Bound, Aeschylus presents a powerful narrative of defiance against tyranny, a recurring theme in classical literature.

The Crime: Prometheus is punished by Zeus for stealing fire from the gods and gifting it to humanity.
The Symbolism: Prometheus is portrayed not merely as a rebel, but as a benefactor to mankind, suffering eternally for his gift of knowledge and civilization.

The Oresteia (458 BCE): Summary & Analysis

🎯 Exam Point: The Oresteia is the only surviving complete trilogy in Greek Tragedy. It was produced in 458 BCE.

The Oresteia traces the evolution of justice from primitive blood vengeance to the rule of law. It consists of three plays:

1. Agamemnon (The Murder)

The play opens with the return of King Agamemnon from the Trojan War. He is murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover Aegisthus. This act continues the generational curse and cycle of bloodshed in the House of Atreus.

2. The Libation Bearers (The Revenge)

Agamemnon's children, Orestes and Electra, reunite. Driven by the god Apollo and the duty to avenge his father, Orestes kills his mother, Clytemnestra. While this fulfills his duty to his father, the matricide brings down the wrath of the Furies.

3. The Eumenides (The Trial)

The Furies (ancient deities of vengeance) pursue Orestes. The conflict is resolved not by further violence, but by a trial.

Divine Intervention: The goddess Athena establishes the Areopagus (the Athenian court of justice).
Transformation: Orestes is acquitted by a vote, and the Furies are transformed into the "Eumenides" (The Kindly Ones).
Theme: The trilogy demonstrates the transition from personal vengeance to civilized civic order and legal justice.

Legacy and Influence on Western Drama

Aeschylus was a celebrated figure in his own time, winning prizes at the City Dionysia in 484, 472, and 463 BCE. His plays combined the grandeur of poetic language with profound moral dilemmas.

He raised the fundamental questions of Western drama: What is justice? How does human will interact with divine will? His innovations paved the way for his successors, Sophocles and Euripides, to further develop the art of tragedy.