δι᾽ ἀμφιτρῆτος αὐλίου: Thematic Parallels between Sophocles’ Philoctetes and Euripides’ Cyclops

Abstract

Questions about the connection between Euripides’ Cyclops and Sophocles’ Philoctetes have been widely debated. However, the studies these scholars have conducted have been primarily concerned with the dating of Cyclops via generally superficial similarities between it and Philoctetes, and do not adequately address the complex thematic resonances between the two. Furthermore, when scholars discuss themes and reception in Cyclops, they focus on Homer’s Odyssey but overlook Philoctetes. My paper addresses these linguistic and thematic echoes, with special attention paid to the role of Odysseus in creating and sustaining these multifaceted connections. Specifically, my project will look at the ways that Cyclops represents a reception and fulfillment Sophocles’ Philoctetes by examining the use and abuse of social norms throughout each, and especially as enacted by Odysseus in both plays. I will first examine specific moments in Philoctetes that find their echo in Cyclops before moving on to a comparative analysis of the plays in order to reveal the overlooked thematic and metatheatrical resonances. I argue that by acknowledging and appreciating these similarities, we as readers can more fully understand the nuances of each play and the way that social systems create and normalize the way that “others” are treated in those systems. In conclusion, this project, by closely examining specific moments in Philoctetes and Cyclops, shedding new light on the generally neglected connections between these two plays.