Euripides' play "Electra" is a powerful and emotionally charged examination of the titular character's grief and desire for revenge following the murder of her father, Agamemnon. Electra's story has been told and retold in various forms throughout literature and drama, but Euripides' version stands out for its deep exploration of Electra's psychological state and the complexity of her motivations.
At the beginning of the play, Electra is consumed by her grief and rage at the death of her father, and she is determined to avenge his murder at the hands of her mother, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. Electra's rage is fueled by a deep sense of injustice and a belief that her father's murder must be avenged in order to restore balance and justice to the world.
Throughout the play, Electra is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted character. On one hand, she is fiercely loyal to her father and dedicated to avenging his death. On the other hand, she is also deeply conflicted and torn by the knowledge that her actions will result in the death of her own mother. Despite this internal conflict, Electra is ultimately driven by a strong sense of moral righteousness and a belief that justice must be served.
In addition to exploring Electra's personal struggles, Euripides' "Electra" also delves into the themes of family and loyalty. Electra's relationship with her brother, Orestes, is a central aspect of the play, and their bond is tested as they struggle to navigate the complicated and dangerous world of revenge. Orestes is torn between his desire to avenge their father's death and his love for his mother, and Electra must grapple with her own feelings of loyalty towards her mother as she pushes him towards action.
Overall, Euripides' "Electra" is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful exploration of grief, loyalty, and the complexities of revenge. Through the character of Electra, the play delves into the psychological and moral implications of seeking justice in the face of overwhelming loss and grief. It is a testament to Euripides' skill as a playwright and his ability to craft complex and nuanced characters that continue to resonate with audiences to this day.
Electra Study Guide
The second is the date of publication online or last modification online. Or never believe in the gods' power again if evil can still The old man tells Orestes that he must kill his mother and her lover Aegisthus who lives in fear of Orestes' return. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1953. Head down, his whole body convulsed, he gasped to breathe, writhed with a high scream, and died in his blood. Electra by In Euripides' version of the story, Electra has been thrown out of the royal house and married to a poor farmer to prevent her from having children of high enough status to avenge Agamemnon's death. He is the faithful friend who accompanies Orestes during his exile and is given Electra as a wife by the gods. One of the sources indicate him being born near the Salamina somewhere in the time of the famous battle being led nearby, and the others believe he was born as the citizen of Athens, 484.
Years later, Electra waits for the return of her exiled brother Orestes so they can seek revenge against their mother. Several years after Agamemnon's death suitors began requesting Electra's hand in marriage. As Electra and Orestes rejoice, the Jastrow Public Domain Conclusion The story of the murder of Clytemnestra and Aegisthus was written about in three different plays: Aeschylus' Oresteia , Sophocles' Electra, and Euripedes' Electra. It is only after the deed is committed that she feels the burden of what she has done. Sophocles was born to a wealthy family in the small rural community of Hippeios Colonus, Attica, a region in Greece located on the Attic peninsula near the Aegean Sea. While the story is the same, the manner in which the duo meets their demise varies.
EURIPIDES' "ELECTRA": AN ANALYSIS THROUGH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
This argument makes her appear as if she does not believe in revenge. In the fifth act, Electra is proud of her brother and she knew it was her turn. Orestes appears and, posing as a friend of the exiled brother, discusses with Electra the conduct of their mother and Aegisthus. Out of fear that Electra's child might seek revenge, Clytemnestra and Aegisthus married her off to a peasant of Upon Agamemnon's murder Clytemnestra and Aegisthus put They begin to plot how they will murder both Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. Medea's calm and reasoning tone, especially after her following out bursts of despair and hatred, provides the first display of her ability to gather herself together in the middle of crisis and pursue her hidden agenda with a great determination.
(PDF) Euripides' "Electra": An Analysis Through Character Development
A farmer A farmer, a Mycenaean to whom Aegisthus gave Electra in marriage. He sends his pedagogue Pylades, as a spy, to learn about the situation in Mycenae. Orestes brought his body and he was followed by an army and servants who found out he was Agamemnon's son. Meanwhile, Orestes and Plyades find Aegisthus hunting and kill him, returning to Electra's home with the body. In the year it was written, Dyskolos won first place at the festival Lenaian, a competition similar to the festival Dionysia in which Sophocles competed.
In Sophocles's version, the play opens with Orestes learning his fate from the Pythian Oracle; he must revenge his father's death unarmed and alone. Then the old man recognizes Orestes and they start plotting together. The second is the date of publication online or last modification online. He remains one of the most influencing tragedy writers of all times, although he got recognized after he deceased. She talks more than she acts.
Electra Character in Aeschylus', Euripides', Sophocles' Plays
Her weakness is also evident in her passionate hatred for her mother Aeschylus and Collard 47. She will come, of course, when she hears about the birth. She sends a message that she has been delivered of a son and needs Clytemnestra to aid in the sacrifices attending the birth. Shortly, Clytemnestra cries out. When Clytemnestra arrives, she is murdered, too. Electra falls under the category of ancient Greek literature, which can be further divided into three separate time periods.
The Tragedies of Sophocles. After her attempt to explain Agamemnon's death, she gives Electra permission to speak freely. Oxford: Theatre Database online. At the end of the play, she is given by the gods in marriage to Pylades. Several problems are being shown in this tragedy.
Her motive for the murder of Clytemnestra has become hatred for her mother rather than love for her father, and she is an ugly and perverted being. The second date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. She eases his curiosity and says they bring news of Orestes. This split in her personality is to a certain degree gender bias. She manages to capture him and denies him the right to speak. They would be too weak for revenge.
EURIPIDES' "ELECTRA": AN ANALYSIS THROUGH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT on JSTOR
Orestes would have no trouble approaching him. On his return from the Trojan War, Agamemnon was slain by Clytemnestra and Aegisthus, her lover, who now rules in Argos. In return, the goddess would give enough wind for the Greeks to sail to Troy. Orestes enter the palace, kills his mother and returns to Electra. They talk and Orestes tells Electra that she probably wouldn't recognize her brother if she saw him because they were split up when they were children. He says that Aegisthus is often in the meadow where he grazes his horses and, with only a few servants, he will be there sacrificing a bull for a feast. When the body of Aegisthus is brought in, Electra condemns him.
In Euripides' play 510ff. As they speak Electra's husband appears and inquires about the two strangers. Today the journal has an international scope with contributors and subscribers all over the world. Genre: tragedy in 6 acts Characters: Electra, Orestes, Clytemnestra, Agamemnon, Aegisthus, Castor, Pollus, messenger, peasant, the chorus Place: Argos Time: the end of the Trojan war Euripides Biography Euripides was one of the most famous Greek authors. This is a mock-heroic allusion to a scene from Odyssey 19. Hearing someone coming Electra , he and Plyades hide.