'Trojan Women (Coleridge Translation)' Summary

The play begins with the Trojan women, now captives of the victorious Greeks, lamenting their fate and the loss of their loved ones. Hecuba, the widowed queen, grapples with her grief and anger as she witnesses the destruction of her city and the humiliation of her people. Andromache, the wife of the slain Hector, mourns the loss of her husband and fears for the fate of her young son. Cassandra, cursed with the ability to foresee the future, is plagued by visions of impending doom. As the play progresses, the women face further horrors, including the sacrifice of Polyxena, Hecuba's daughter, and the abduction of Andromache's son. The play ends with a sense of utter desolation and hopelessness, emphasizing the devastating consequences of war and the enduring pain of loss. The play is often interpreted as a commentary on the Athenian conquest of Melos and its aftermath, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the tragic outcomes of war.