Vasillopulos' new book interprets Greek tragedy 'Medea'

Vasillopulous — Political Science professor Christopher Vasillopulos.

Christopher Vasillopulos, political science professor at Eastern Connecticut State University, recently authored a new book titled “Interpreting Euripides’s Medea from Aristotelian and Nietzschean Perspectives,” published by Edwin Mellen Press.

Vasillopulos' book concerns the ancient Greek tragedy "Medea," which centers on the actions of a vengeful wife, Medea, after her husband leaves her for a princess. “My (book) explores how a mother can be brought to the decision to kill children she loves. Her horrific act had multiple causes: life as a strange outsider, a failed marriage, a weak, opportunistic husband, the nature of Greek society, especially marriage and the role of women… the nature of the gods, the jeopardy of fatherless children and the perils of humiliating a brilliant woman possessed of divine powers.”

Vasillopulos teaches ancient Greek thought and has studied the subject for more than 20 years. He has written books on Greek society, poetry, historical events, people and more. “The book and my teaching reflect my conviction that great literature, especially tragedy, can illuminate perennial political and social issues,” said Vasillopulos.

Written by Bobbi Brown

Categories: Political Science, Faculty Research