MISQUOTATIONS OF EURIPIDEAN PLEADERS

Abstract

This article surveys several instances where pleading figures in Euripides attribute a false statement to their opponents in front of a powerful third party. Andromache misquotes Hermione to Menelaus (And. 356) and Hecuba allegedly quotes Polymestor to Agamemnon (Hec.1218-1220). Hecuba also deliberately misinterprets Helen’s words (Tro. 998-1000) and rejects the latter’s argument of divine responsibility for her deeds (Tro.1010-1022). These speakers are morally superior to their opponents and Euripides may have approved of bending the truth in the service of a good cause.