When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Mythological References
- Cupid (2.1) – the god of love. Kind of the patron saint of this play.
- Nestor (4.3) – a kind king
- Argus (3.1) – a giant with 100 eyes
- Jove (4.3) – god of sky and thunder
- Juno (4.3) – goddess of marriage
- Prometheus (4.3) – stole fire from Zeus and gave it to mortals
- Apollo (4.3) – god of light, the sun, the arts
- The Sphinx (4.3) – a mysterious, riddling lion with a human head
- Mercury (5.2) – messenger god
- Ajax (4.3) – famous warrior
- Hector (5.2) – famous warrior, Ajax's foe
- Hercules (1.2) – strongman and son of Zeus
Biblical References
- Samson (1.2) – a strong man betrayed by a woman
- Solomon (1.2) – a wise king
Historical References
- Timon (4.3) – legendary misanthrope
- Pompey (5.2) – great Roman politician and warrior
- Alexander (5.2) – great Greek military man
- Judas Maccabeus (5.2) – great warrior in Jewish history