n Acta Classica : Proceedings of the Classical Association of South Africa - The Classics and South African Identities, Michael Lambert : review

Abstract

These notes serve to complement the review by Jo-Marie Claassen.

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In the 'Introduction' (7-19) Michael Lambert starts with the assumption that the study of Classics in South Africa, like other disciplines, has been 'deeply embedded in the power relations, which have existed and continue to exist between the different races' (7). He sets his purpose in its theoretical framework, duly noting that identities, while largely determined 'by the discourses into which we are situated' (8), also have their element of rational choice. But he chooses to limit the theoretical comments and focuses rather on Aeschylus' Suppliants as a case study, illustrating issues of identity relating to migrants, refugees and a xenophobic host community.