This guide provides readers with a fundamental grounding in Greek tragedy and also introduces them to the various methodologies and critical debates that characterize the current field. The 31 essays are organized into sections on contexts, elements, approaches and reception. The first section surveys the genre's historical, religious, political and artistic background, while the second examines its structural components. Each paper in the segment on approaches exemplifies a particular line of inquiry. The final section traces the interpretative tradition from ancient to modern times. Throughout the volume, all ancient Greek is transliterated and translated. Technical terms are explained as they appear. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)