Marriage to Death

This study considers why the fusion of wedding and funeral ceremonies comes to theatrical life in the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. By focusing on the dramatization of important rituals conducted by women in ancient Athenian society, it offers a new perspective on Greek tragedy.

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The link between weddings and death - as found in dramas ranging from "Romeo and Juliet" to Lorca's "Blood Wedding" - plays a central role in the action of many Greek tragedies. Female characters such as Cassandra, Antigone and Helen enact and refer to significant parts of wedding and funeral rites, but often in a twisted fashion. This study considers how and why the fusion of the two ceremonies comes to theatrical life in the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. By focusing on the dramatization of important rituals conducted by women in ancient Athenian society, it offers a new perspective on Greek tragedy and the challenges it poses for its audience.