An Analysis of the Women of Trachis by Sophocles Essay

Who is right and who is wrong in Sophocles Women of Trachis? The accustomed trait of all tragic heroes and heroines is to have a tragic flaw or hamartia, and it is Heracles possession of hubris (excessive pride) that brings about the wrong doings of Deianeira and his eventual downfall. While there is often a discussion of the role of fate in the downfall of a tragic hero, there must be an element of choice in order for there to be a true tragedy. The tragic hero falls because they choose one course of action over another- evident in Women of Tracis from Deianeiras action to use supposed magic. Therefore it could be argued that none of the characters in Women of Trachis are essentially wrong, it is just natural human error and the innate qualities of a tragic hero and heroine. Even so one could reason that the characters should have thought of the outcomes before their actions and that the disastrous end of Heracles was inevitable as it was the predicament of the oracles Deianeira means no harm by her actions. She merely wishes to do good for the sake of herself and her family. Like Ajaxs Tecmessa, Deianeira is a socially marginalized prize woman. In her opening speech we learn of her vulnerability and deepest fears. Achelous the river-god haunted her with horrifying images of masculinity, appallingly disturbing to a young innocent girl Sometimes he came as a bulla gleaming withering snake and a man with a bulls forehead. She describes how she became suicidal with thoughts of having to marry this creature, until Heracles fought him off and took her as his bride. Deianeira found refuge in Heracles and depends on him for...