Facing Down the Furies

In this poignant exploration, award-winning classicist Edith Hall examines the profound impact of suicide through the lens of Greek tragedies, particularly Sophocles' Oedipus the Tyrant. Drawing on her own experiences with loss, Hall delves into philosophical perspectives on suicide from thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Albert Camus, while relating the emotional scars it leaves across generations to the ancient concept of a family curse. By connecting her family's struggles with themes of shame and humiliation found in classical characters, Hall illustrates how the insights from these timeless works can provide solace and a path toward choosing life amid adversity.