Groaning tears : : ethical and dramatic aspects of suicide in Greek tragedy / / by Elise P. Garrison.

• Superior document: Mnemosyne, bibliotheca classica batava. Supplementum, 147
• Author: Garrison, Elise P.
• Place / Publishing House: Leiden ;, New York : : Brill,, 1995.
• Year of Publication: 1995
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Mnemosyne, Supplements 147.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (x, 210 pages)
• Other title: Preliminary Material /; Introduction /; The sociology of suicide /; To endure or to die honorably /; The suicide note: escape songs /; “Groaning tears”: suicide from grief /; Noble Suicide /; Conclusion: suicide in Euripides’ Helen /; Plot Summaries /; Select Bibliography /; Index Locorum /; General Index /; Supplements to Mnemosyne /
• Bibliography: Includes bibliographical references (p. 186-199) and index.
• ISBN: 9004329528
• ISSN: 0169-8958
• Hierarchical level: Monograph
• Statement of Responsibility: by Elise P. Garrison.

Groaning Tears examines suicide in Greek tragedy in light of the fifth-century ethical climate. No full-scale work has previously been devoted to this pervasive topic. The particular focus of identifying suicide as a response to the expectations of popular ethics and social demands makes it useful for scholars and students of drama, ethics and sociology. Chapter one establishes the ethical background of audiences in the fifth century while chapters two through five examine suicide in the context of whole plays based on motivational distinctions: to avoid disgrace and preserve an honorable reputation; to avoid further suffering; to end grief; and to sacrifice oneself for a greater good. The final chapter considers a drama of lighter tone that presents suicide in all of its ethical and theatrical aspects.