Elektra: A New Translation

Among the most celebrated plays of ancient Athens, Elektra is one of seven surviving dramas by the great Greek playwright, Sophocles, now available from Harper Perennial in a vivid and dynamic new translation by award-winning poet Robert Bagg.

Elektra masterfully explores the consequences of revenge—both for those who bear the brunt of violence and for those who become obsessed by hatred under its influence—as it focuses on the cycle of bloodshed that consumes a royal family. This is Sophocles, vibrant and alive, for a new generation.

How does a 2,500-year-old play about revenge speak to a new generation?

• Vibrant Modern Translation: Experience Sophocles’ powerful language through the lens of award-winning poet Robert Bagg, in a version that is both faithful and dynamic for today’s readers.
• A Classic Revenge Tragedy: Witness Elektra’s all-consuming wait for her brother Orestes and their brutal plot to avenge their father’s murder at the hands of their mother, Klytemnestra.
• The Curse of the House of Atreus: Delve into one of Greek mythology’s most infamous family sagas, a story of matricide, justice, and a cycle of bloodshed passed down through generations.
• Complete with Scholarly Introduction: An extensive introduction provides invaluable context on the world of Greek theater, the life of Sophocles, and the enduring themes that make this play a cornerstone of Western literature.