There is Pleasure When An Enemy Suffers: Schadenfreude in Greek Tragedy

Schadenfreude, a German term but largely used in English as in other languages, means “joy in other people’s misfortunes”. It is a special emotion, which provides a malicious pleasure; it is tied up with envy, though it can also help improve one’s self-esteem or reinforce group cohesion. Schadenfreude is universal and existed already among the ancient Greeks, who also had a word for it. Starting with an analysis of the Greek lexicon related to Schadenfreude, Silvia Montiglio in this book tackels the question systematically for the first time, with a specific focus on tragedy. The examination of numerous scenes from the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides shows how Schadenfreude in tragedy is mostly perceived as a dangerous force, which often takes the shape of derision. It is kindred to enmity and expresses hatred; it accompanies a pre-taste or an aftertaste of revenge. Tragic poets invite reflections about the morality of the emotion: is it acceptable for a mother to rejoice in the death of her son turned enemy? Or for a god to exult in the ruin of a human being who has offended him? And how was the audience supposed to respond? This study deals with these and related questions: it examines the psychological, anthropological and dramaturgical connotations of Schadenfreude, its contribution to the characterisation of several characters, the reactions, of approval or censure, manifested for instance by the chorus or by the messenger, and the relationship that can be established with the tragic emotions par excellence, that is, pity and fear.

Silvia Montiglio (Doctorat, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales), has taught at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and at the Johns Hopkins University. Her research interests span Greek and Roman literature, the history of ideas, and the reception of classical texts. She is the author of numerous books, the latest of which is an edition, translation and commentary of Heliodorus’ novel Aethiopica, in two volumes (Fondazione Lorenzo Valla-Mondadori, 2023 and 2024).