Consider Euripides’s intent to draw attention to the strength of women’s intelligence and moral sensibility. Why would he choose Helen as his main character, considering that her reputation in mainstream Greek literature was that of the worst woman in the world?

If you had to make a choice between one or the other, would you describe Helen as a tragedy or a comedy? Defend your choice.

Euripides was writing primarily for an audience from mainland Greece, which was the winning side in the Trojan War. Why do you think he presents the outcome there as a catastrophe for both sides, rather than a clear-cut victory?