Pensieri impensabili. Fato e rappresentazione del pensiero nell’Aiace di Sofocle

This paper analyzes the relationship within Sophocles’ Ajax between fated, predetermined elements, as revealed by Calchas’ prophecy, divine intervention, and Ajax’s mind, namely the possibility that Ajax has, or does not have, autonomous intentions and the ability to make free choices (in particular with regard to committing suicide). The paper shows, moreover, how this tragedy tries to reach a difficult balance between conflicting needs: to equip the characters with thoughts, as an essential part of the plot, and at the same time to deny them those thoughts whose resulting actions could hinder the accomplishment of fate.