«Suggestions and Themes in Thetis’ rhesis in Euripides’ Andromache»

The figure of Thetis makes a marked appearance in Euripides’ Andromache from the play’s very beginning, with the localization of the action in Phthia and the mention of the goddess, who has a shrine there. In Ringkomposition, Thetis appears ex machina and turns to Peleus to sanction the conclusion of the story from the perspective of reconciliation. The final rhesis strengthens Thetis’ conciliatory function and is pictured as a consolatory monologue, in which the speaking character is the mythical specimen/exemplum. The features of this rhesis are examined through a thematic, stylistic and rhetorical investigation. Furthermore, Euripides’ references to the marriage of Peleus and Thetis erase the negative background of the myth to make the play end with a theme of familial unity. The rhesis shows a convergence in the poetry of Euripides of themes descending from the ancient epic and lyric tradition: the analysis of these motifs also illuminates the deity’s role and function within Euripidean theatre.