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«Алкеста» Еврипида: проблема интерпретации
The analysis of Euripides' Alcestis singles out two plot movements, the one leading to the death Alcestis and the other to her deliverance, the main difference between which is in the figures of Apollo and Heracles determining the course of events in each of them. The contrast between Apollo and Heracles turns out to be the structural center of the drama, and its religious and political interpretation becomes the basis for interpreting the entire work. Apollo was to symbolize a peaceful, intellectual and political way of delivering the city from calamities and Heracles, a way implying the use of physical and military force. Particular attention to use of military force can be explained by the circumstances of the play's performance. The play might be related to the military alliance between Athens and the ruler of one of Thessalian tetrarchies about 440 BC.