Reviews

Bakkhai by Euripides, Anne Carson

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coleanne's review against another edition

3.0

I had to read this for my Greek and Roman mythology course as an intro to reading Greek and Roman myths. It wasn't something I loved, but it is a good read and it wasn't a pain to get through as old texts and books for classes often are. I find Greek and Roman myths very interesting so this play fell into an area I already like. Though I hate knowing the end before I begin, that's just how they did things and the people at the time would have known the basic story anyway since it was a part of their religion, so I can't fault it there. I also know that it's hard to match the original in a translation, especially when so many pieces of the original are missing and have to be filled in and estimated by translators, so I appreciate that I was still able to enjoy the play.
Overall, I recommend this to anyone who likes Greek and Roman myths and/or theatre.

hunterlikesturtles's review against another edition

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4.0

Ancient Greek plays kinda went hard I won’t lie.

marshsaint's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

hannahlois's review against another edition

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dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

gabbiebrandt's review against another edition

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4.0

I’ll always love Anne Carson’s translations. I didn’t know anything about this play prior to reading this version, and I think Carson really captured the madness and passion. The fact that facing the consequences of a brutal act you did while being forced into madness and ecstasy was the punishment for insulting Dionysius is very fitting.