Study Questions for Assignment 10 -- Aeschylus, Oresteia
It will be useful to you, although not necessary, to read the introduction, pages 3-7, 9-15, and 25-31
- Be able to summarize the plots of the plays.
A. Agamemnon
Zeus, who guided men to think, who has laid it down that wisdom
comes alone through suffering. Still there drips in sleep against the heart
grief of memory; against our pleasure we are temperate.
From the gods who sit in grandeur grace comes somehow violent.
(lines 176-183)
- What is going on in lines 905-957, and why?
- Lines 1035-1330. What is happening to Cassandra in this passage? What does she reveal prophetically?
- Lines 1412-1447. What crimes does Clytemnestra charge Agamemnon with?
- What does Aegisthus mean in line 1624, considering the context?
B. Libation-Bearers
- How does Electra know that Orestes has returned?
- What reasons are driving Orestes to kill Clytaemestra?
- What was her dream and what is Orestes' interpretation?
- Lines 1021-1076. What is developing in these last lines? What is troubling Orestes?
C. Eumenides
- Why are the Furies after Orestes?
- In this play, what is their complaint against Apollo and Athene?
- In the trial, how is Orestes defended?
- What happens between Athene and the Furies in the end?
Pictures of ancient Greek Theaters
- Theater
of Dionysus at the Acropolis of Athens. The theater is in the upper left
(the white half-bowl).
- Theater
of Dionysus at the Acropolis; the modern city of Athens (site of the 2004
Summer Olympics!) stretches away in the background.
- Theater
at Epidauros from straight overhead. This is the best preserved ancient
Greek theater.
- Theater
at Epidauros, showing its size and setting in the landscape.
- Theater
at Epidauros from the top row of seats looking down toward the orchestra
(circular stage).
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