Antigone Rising: The Subversive Power of the Ancient Myths

Antigone Rising is a much-needed reckoning with the legacy of Greek and Roman myths, which explores everything from Beyoncé's chosen imagery to the origins of #MeToo.

The picture of classical antiquity that we are taught in school is framed in misogynistic violence, the seeds of feminist resistance within them either omitted or outright ignored. In Antigone Rising, classicist Helen Morales reminds us that these myths can be read in very different ways and makes it clear that they are due a fresh understanding.

In moments like Antigone's stand against tyranny or Procne and Philomela's punishing of a powerful rapist, Morales uncovers the hidden truths about solidarity and empowerment that exists within these familiar stories. Rather than continuing to use myth to justify harmful practices like diet culture and school dress codes, she shows how you can, instead, use them to challenge the status quo and rail against unjust regimes.

Praise for ANTIGONE RISING:

'This is not your usual "why the classics are crucial" book . . . Slim, punchy, and galvanising, Antigone Rising brings [both] challenge and insight'
Guardian

'Probing, learned, and heartfelt, this book advances a generous and inspiring vision of Greek myth for the twenty-fist century. This is a book not just to read but to cherish'
Dan-el Padillla Peralta, Associate Professor of Classics, Princeton

'This book not only helps us to recognize and understand the role that ancient myth plays in our cultural hardwiring. It also shows us how antiquity can be used to do something about it'
Times Literary Supplement

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ISBN 9781472273642
Fiction
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