©Damen, 2009

Classical Drama and Theatre

It has been suggested that the tragedies are perhaps intended to serve as negative examples of Stoicism, how a life lacking in Stoic principles leads to grave sorrow. But, if so, there are much more efficient ways to make one's point. In particular, Seneca's dramatic excesses run a grave risk of being taken for sensual indulgences, disguised poorly as "moral lessons," but which are, in fact, just an excuse to parade perversity and body parts across the stage, encouraging the audience to act like the judge who wants to see the X-rated movie one more time to make absolutely sure it's pornographic.

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