Oresteia
Overview
The Oresteia is a trilogy of Greek tragedies written by the ancient playwright Aeschylus. It is considered one of the greatest works of ancient Greek literature and remains a cornerstone of Western drama. The trilogy consists of three plays: Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides. These plays chronicle the end of the curse on the House of Atreus, a dynasty plagued by murder and revenge.
Agamemnon
Agamemnon is the first play in the Oresteia trilogy. It begins with the return of King Agamemnon from the Trojan War. The play explores themes of justice, power, and the consequences of one's actions. Agamemnon's wife, Clytemnestra, has been plotting his murder as revenge for the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia, which Agamemnon carried out to appease the goddess Artemis and secure favorable winds for the Greek fleet.
Plot Summary
The play opens with a watchman on the roof of the palace in Argos, waiting for a signal that Troy has fallen. When the signal finally comes, Clytemnestra orders a grand celebration. Agamemnon returns home with Cassandra, a Trojan princess and prophetess, as his concubine. Clytemnestra pretends to welcome Agamemnon warmly but soon reveals her true intentions. She murders Agamemnon and Cassandra in cold blood, claiming it is an act of justice for Iphigenia's death.
Themes and Analysis
Agamemnon delves into the complexities of justice and retribution. Clytemnestra's actions raise questions about the morality of revenge and the cycle of violence. The play also examines the role of the gods in human affairs, as divine will is often cited as justification for heinous acts.
The Libation Bearers
The Libation Bearers, the second play in the trilogy, continues the story with the return of Orestes, Agamemnon's son, who has been living in exile. Orestes comes back to Argos to avenge his father's murder, as commanded by the god Apollo.
Plot Summary
Orestes returns to Argos with his friend Pylades. They visit Agamemnon's grave, where they meet Orestes' sister, Electra, who is mourning their father's death. Together, they plot to kill Clytemnestra and her lover, Aegisthus, who has taken over the throne. Orestes disguises himself and gains entry to the palace. He kills Aegisthus and then hesitates before killing his mother. Encouraged by Pylades and driven by his duty to Apollo, Orestes ultimately kills Clytemnestra.
Themes and Analysis
The Libation Bearers explores the themes of duty, familial loyalty, and the psychological torment of revenge. Orestes' internal struggle highlights the moral ambiguity of his actions. The play also introduces the concept of miasma, or ritual pollution, which Orestes incurs by committing matricide.
The Eumenides
The Eumenides is the final play in the Oresteia trilogy. It follows Orestes as he seeks purification for the murder of his mother. The play shifts from Argos to Delphi and then to Athens, where Orestes is put on trial.
Plot Summary
Orestes flees to Delphi, seeking refuge at Apollo's temple. The Erinyes, or Furies, who personify vengeance, pursue him relentlessly. Apollo advises Orestes to go to Athens and seek the judgment of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. In Athens, Athena establishes a court of law, the Areopagus, to hear Orestes' case. The trial is a pivotal moment, as it represents the transition from personal vendetta to a system of legal justice. Athena casts the deciding vote in favor of Orestes, and the Furies are transformed into the Eumenides, or "Kindly Ones," signifying the end of the cycle of vengeance.
Themes and Analysis
The Eumenides addresses the evolution of justice from retributive to institutionalized law. It emphasizes the importance of rationality and civic order in resolving conflicts. The play also explores themes of transformation and reconciliation, as the Furies' metamorphosis symbolizes the potential for change and harmony.
Significance and Legacy
The Oresteia trilogy is significant for its exploration of complex moral and ethical issues. It reflects the ancient Greek belief in the inevitability of fate and the influence of the gods in human affairs. The trilogy also marks a critical moment in the development of Greek tragedy, showcasing Aeschylus' innovation in dramatic structure and character development.
The themes of justice, revenge, and the transition from chaos to order resonate throughout Western literature and philosophy. The Oresteia has been adapted and reinterpreted in various forms, including opera, film, and modern theater.