How is justice seen in Eumenides?
The Furies’ black-and-white understanding of the facts stands in contrast with Athena’s methodical and logical ability to comprehend the situation before her. Impartial and evenhanded, she seeks to hear all sides of an issue before making her decision, clearly displaying the power of justice.
How does Aeschylus define justice?
Justice: Aeschylus shows us that this simplistic, ancient, black/white personal/instinctual vision of justice destroys social order, including those who commit the retribution (Orestes) and also the polis: the town/community.
What does Athena say about justice?
Athena replies by saying, “In all justice I promise you shall have a seat and a cavern in this righteous land,” (Eumenides 804-805). Here, Athena offers the Erinyes justice, which she denied Orestes.
Why is Orestes acquitted?
Orestes is acquitted by Athena on arbitrary terms. She casts her vote for Orestes because she supports her father’s Order, believing that there is a need for the establishment of higher reasoning. One could also argue that she voted for acquittal because she is the god of war.
What happens at the end of Eumenides?
In the end, the Furies, now known as the Kindly Spirits, accept Athena’s offer and replace their black robes with reddish-purple ones. Although they will still seek vengeance against evil-doers, they will now also aid the good people of Athens.
What is justice Oresteia?
Justice shifted from been a personal vendetta or responsibility to been the responsibility of the state set down by the laws of the state. These represented a more democratic society, which was more modern.
How does Clytemnestra justify her actions throughout the Oresteia?
No matter the order in which the motives are listed, it is generally agreed upon that revenge, jealousy, and to further the curse are the three reasons for Clytemnestra’s actions, although Aeschylus seems to make it very clear that he believes she is motivated by motherly grief in his beginning description of …
What is Apollo’s actual argument to defend Orestes in the Eumenides?
Apollo agrees that Orestes should have killed his mother to “exact the price for his father,” yet the furies consider Orestes’ murderous acts against his own blood to be even worse than Clytemnestra’s crime against Agamemnon, “Such murder would not be the shedding of kindred blood.” Apollo continues to defend Orestes …
Why do the Furies not pursue Clytemnestra?
Then he asks the Furies how come they didn’t pursue Clytemnestra for murdering his father. The Furies reply that at least she didn’t kill someone of her own blood. Apollo starts off by repeating the idea that it was his oracle that told Orestes to kill Clytemnestra.
What is Orestes prophecy?
In accordance with the advice of the god Apollo, Orestes has killed his mother Clytemnestra to avenge the death of his father Agamemnon at her hands. Despite Apollo’s earlier prophecy, Orestes finds himself tormented by Erinyes or Furies to the blood guilt stemming from his matricide.
What kind of a hero is Orestes?
At first glance, we might think that Orestes is the tragic hero of The Libation Bearers. He is clearly the main character, and the play is in part a coming of age story about him.
Why is Eumenides a tragedy?
The only extant example of an ancient Greek theatre trilogy, the Oresteia won first prize at the Dionysia festival in 458 BC. The principal themes of the trilogy include the contrast between revenge and justice, as well as the transition from personal vendetta to organized litigation….
| Oresteia | |
|---|---|
| Genre | tragedy |