Eteocle e Polinice: la riconciliazione onomastica dei fratelli nemici

The speaking names of the feuding brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, are the starting point for some reflections on the different way in which Aeschylus, in Seven Against Thebes, and Euripides, in Phoenician Women, focus on the rivalry that leads Oedipus’ sons to mutual slaughter before the gates of Thebes. The puns on the name of Polynices, which are repeated in both texts, offer an opportunity to emphasize the origin and common destiny of the two brothers, despite the differences in character. The analysis of some controversial passages and the discussion of some interpretations proposed by scholars will show how the meaning of Eteocles (‘justly famed’) is disproved, while the ‘dispute’ alluded to by the name of Polynices also defines the identity of Eteocles: this is the only way to achieve both reconciliation and total equality.