What is heroism? Do we all have it within us? Sophocles’ Ajax
Sophocles’ Ajax is a tragedy that unpacks the shame and death of Ajax, a Greek warrior who had won fame for his bravery during the Trojan War. The play moves through a series of reversals: old allies become enemies, honor becomes disgrace, and divine power becomes temporal authority.
Together, we will wonder about and explore the concept of heroism. Who has it? Why? Does it come from within or from our circumstances and environment?
We will explore the complexities of heroism through the story of Ajax. Why does he kill himself? Is Ajax a hero or just an ordinary human with a predilection for trying to find certainty amid confusion when the world doesn’t offer it?
In this one-session course led by Marine Corps veteran and Combat & Classics founder Brian Wilson, we’ll explore the nature of man in conflict and cooperation. We’ll work to understand the role of power, hierarchy, sex, and the divine as portrayed through the characters of Sophocles’ Ajax.
Suggested translation is from Grene and Lattimore, but any translation will do.
Learn more about Ajax on the Premise Goodreads page.