3 Review(s)

The plot takes place over the course of a single night, with Hector and the Trojans discussing their strategy as they try to fend off the Greek forces. In hopes of shifting the war’s outcome, Hector is eager to bolster his army with Rhesus’s forces. However, the Greek heroes Odysseus and Diomedes infiltrate the Trojan camp under the cover of darkness. When they encounter Rhesus, they perceive him as a formidable threat and decide to kill him in his sleep. Rhesus’s death is a stark reminder of the futility and tragedy of war, where even the most powerful and noble warriors can be struck down before they have a chance to fight."The Rhesus" explores themes of fate, heroism, and the vulnerability of even the greatest warriors to the whims of war and treachery. The play also highlights the cunning and ruthlessness of the Greek heroes, contrasting them with Rhesus’s tragic nobility and the loyalty of his ally. This shorter, often-overlooked work provides a different angle on the Trojan War mythos, focusing less on grand battles and more on the darker, quieter moments of conflict. "The Rhesus" remains an intriguing addition to the corpus of Greek tragedy, valued for its examination of the complex ethics of warfare and heroism.