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The Frenzied Swallow: Philomela 's Voice in Sophocles' Tereus

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Chiara Blanco

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Abstract

This paper investigates Philomela’s metamorphosis into a swallow as inferred from Sophocles’ fragmentary Tereus. The first part focusses on the association between the swallow and barbaric language, casting new light on Philomela’s characterization in the play. The second investigates the shuttle, the weaving tool which prompts the recognition of Philomela, arguing that the mention of its ‘voice’ in fr. 595 Radt refers not only to the tapestry which it created, but also to the actual sound of the shuttle, which ancient Greeks associated with the swallow, and thus anticipates Philomela’s metamorphosis. The representation of Philomela as a speech-impeded and yet vocal character supports the Dionysiac background of the act of vengeance which she and her sister commit.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Blanco C

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: The Classical Quarterly

Year: 2023

Volume: 73

Issue: 2

Pages: 565-578

Print publication date: 01/12/2023

Online publication date: 25/01/2024

Acceptance date: 14/06/2021

Date deposited: 21/05/2024

ISSN (print): 0009-8388

ISSN (electronic): 1471-6844

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0009838823000691

DOI: 10.1017/S0009838823000691

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