AJAX DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"I see now that/ we are nothing/ but shades/ stumbling around/ in the shadows."
-- Odysseus to Athena in Ajax
Some Questions To Consider
To what extent is Ajax a play specifically about war and to what extent is it a play about life?
What is the vision offered in Ajax of human existence?
Is Ajax a hero?
What does this play have to say about the relationship between humans and the gods? About relations between humans? What does this play say about the nature of friendship?
How would you interpret the relationship between the shield of Achilles and the sword of Hector in Sophocles' play?
What comments would you offer about Tecmessa as a character and about the relationship between her and Ajax?
How would you describe the relationship between Ajax and Odysseus, and how does this fit into the structure of the play?
What is interesting about the Theatre Of War project and how do the reflections of those who have been involved in that deepened your appreciation for Sophocles' tragedy?
Some Extra Resources
"Ajax (Play)," Wikipedia: An entry from the online encyclopedia.
"Ajax The Great," Wikipedia: An entry from the online encyclopedia.
"Philoctetes (Sophocles Play)," Wikipedia: An entry from the online encyclopedia.
Ovid, "The Speeches Of Ajax And Ulysses," Book Thirteen, Metamorphosis.
Nicholas Paphitis, "Archaeologist Links Palace To Legendary Ajax," NBC News, March 30, 2006.
"Ajax The Great In Greek Mythology," Greek Legends And Myths:
"Hero Teucer In Greek Mythology," Greek Legends And Myths:
"Teucer," Wikipedia: An entry from the online encyclopedia.
"Tecmessa In Sophocles 'Ajax'": A short commentary in the form of a seminar note.
"Telemon," Wikipedia: An entry from the on-line encyclopedia.
"Rhoiteion," Wikipedia: The site of the traditional "Tomb of Ajax."