The Euripidean Prologue

Abstract

This thesis examines the prologues of all the Euripidean plays except Iphigenia in Aulis and Rhesus. It is divided between discussion of the monologues and discussion of the scene or scenes which followed it but preceded the parodos. The following elements were identified as common to the standard Euripidean form: Self-Identification, Identification of Location, Description of the Prehistory of the Drama, Identification of the Current Crisis, and Prediction of Future Events. These, in addition to several other less prominent elements of the Euripidean prologue, are discussed in detail. The thesis attempts to define the standard form and position of these elements. It also contains discussion of Euripides' choice of prologists and the various forms that the prologue could take.