The Mythic Voice of Statius: Power and Politics in the __Thebaid__

This is the first thematic study of Statius' "Thebaid" to be published in monograph form in English in the past twenty years. It examines in detail the thematic design and intent of the "Thebaid" and considers the question of its contemporary relevance. The book focuses on the central theme of power how it is exercised on the supernatural and human levels and the consequences of its pursuit and abuse in terms of the human condition. An ensuing discussion explores the political undercurrents of the epic. This discussion is in four main parts: (1) 'Use and Abuse of Supernatural Power'; (2) 'Pursuit and Abuse of Monarchal Power'; (3) 'Consequences of the Abuse of Power'; and (4) 'Political Relevance to Contemporary Rome'. The views expressed represent a fundamental departure from previous studies and constitute a critical reassessment of the "Thebaid." The provision of translations makes the book accessible to the Latinless reader." This Is The First Thematic Study Of Statius' Thebaid To Be Published In Monograph Form In English In Over Twenty Years. It Examines In Detail The Thematic Design And Intent Of The Thebaid And Considers The Question Of Its Contemporary Relevance. The Book Focuses On The Central Theme Of Power - How It Is Exercised On The Supernatural And Human Levels And The Consequences Of Its Pursuit And Abuse In Terms Of The Human Condition. An Ensuing Discussion Explores The Political Undercurrents Of The Epic. This Discussion Is In Four Main Parts: 1 'use And Abuse Of Supernatural Power'; 2 'pursuit And Abuse Of Monarchal Power'; 3 'consequences Of The Abuse Of Power'; And 4 'political Relevance To Contemporary Rome'. The Views Expressed Represent A Fundamental Departure From Previous Studies And Constitute A Critical Reassessment Of The Thebaid. The Provision Of Translations Makes The Book Accessible To The Latinless Reader. I. Use And Abuse Of Supernatural Power. Concilia Deorum In Epic: Homer To Statius. First Olympian Council (theb. 1.197-310): The Plan Of Jupiter. The Legacy Of Power: Aletes Speaks Out. Olympian Monarch And Agent Provocateur: Jupiter And Mars. Cosmocrator And 'destiny': Jupiter And The Fates. Olympian Ruler And Human Challenger: Jupiter And Capaneus. Infernal Monarch And Agents Provocateurs: Pluto And The Furies. Role Of The Goddesses: Olympian And Non-olympian. Goddesses Of Destruction: Venus And The Furies. An Olympian And His Monster: Apollo And Poine. Role Of An Infernal Spirit: The Ghost Of Laius -- Ii. Pursuit And Abuse Of Monarchal Power. Faculty And Institution: Power And Monarchy. Pretender And Monarch: Polynices And Eteocles. Successor And Predecessor: Creon And Oedipus. Figural Pillars Of The Narrative: Adrastus And Theseus -- Iii. Consequences Of The Abuse Of Power. War And Violence: Their Destructiveness And Futility. The Human Condition: Powerlessness And Suffering -- Iv. Political Relevance To Contemporary Rome. Text And Context: The Thebaid And Flavian Rome. Poet And Emperor: Statius And Domitian. Myth And Politics: Theban And Imperial Courts. Monarch And Emperor: Theseus And Domitian. The Emperor And His Titles: Domitian As Dominus And Deus. Divine And Earthly Emperors: Jupiter And Domitian. Figural Pillars Of The Thebaid: Domitian And Statius. Olympus And Rome: Divine And Imperial Families. The Thebaid And Zeitgeist -- Appendix: Literary And Political Background. By William J. Dominik. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [184]-190) And Indexes. This critical study of Statius' Thebaid focuses on the central theme of power — how it is exercised on the supernatural and human levels, the consequences of its pursuit and abuse in terms of the human condition, and the question of its contemporary relevance.