Elektra: Revenge in Ancient Greece

13 snips

Mar 2, 2025

In a captivating discussion, Professor Armand D’Angour, a classicist and musician from Oxford, shares insights on Elektra, daughter of Agamemnon. They explore her complex character through the lens of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, revealing contrasting themes of vengeance and justice. D’Angour highlights how these ancient narratives reflect contemporary issues of morality and female agency. Additionally, he discusses the recent London stage adaptation, emphasizing Elektra's enduring legacy and relevance in modern storytelling.

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ANECDOTE

Agamemnon's Sacrifice and Clytemnestra's Revenge

Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter Iphigenia to appease Artemis.
Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's wife, murders him in revenge, leading to Electra's quest for justice.

INSIGHT

Reinterpreting Electra

Ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides created different versions of Electra's story.
Modern authors continue this tradition, reimagining myths for contemporary audiences.

INSIGHT

Electra's Evolving Role

In Aeschylus's version, Electra supports Orestes's revenge.
In Sophocles and Euripides's versions, Electra becomes the central figure.

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Bacchae

Euripides

Gilbert Murray

The Bacchae, written by Euripides, is a tragic play that premiered posthumously in 405 B.C. It explores the dual nature of humanity through the characters of Pentheus, who represents reason and logic, and Dionysus, who embodies instinct and spirituality. The play delves into the consequences of rejecting divine forces and the chaos that ensues when societal norms are challenged. Gilbert Murray's translation provides an accessible interpretation of this ancient masterpiece.

Hippolytus

Euripides

Euripides' "Hippolytus" is a Greek tragedy that explores themes of love, revenge, and the destructive power of jealousy. The play centers on Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, who is devoted to the hunt and rejects Aphrodite's advances. Aphrodite, enraged by his rejection, causes Phaedra, Hippolytus' stepmother, to fall madly in love with him. Phaedra's unrequited love and her subsequent suicide lead to Hippolytus's unjust death. The play is known for its exploration of complex emotions and its tragic consequences. The play's exploration of love, jealousy, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions remains relevant today. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of the human condition and its tragic consequences.

La Pandora

Gérard de Nerval

Philoctetes

The Play and the Man

Ivan Mortimer Linforth

In this work, Ivan Mortimer Linforth provides a detailed analysis of the play 'Philoctetes' and its central character. The book delves into the literary and historical context of the play, offering insights into the themes, characters, and significance within classical Greek literature.

Oresteia Trilogy

Aeschylus

The Oresteia Trilogy by Aeschylus consists of 'Agamemnon', 'The Libation Bearers', and 'The Eumenides'. It narrates the story of the House of Atreus, focusing on the cycle of revenge and the eventual establishment of a judicial system in ancient Athens. The trilogy explores the transition from personal vendetta to organized litigation, culminating in the trial of Orestes, which serves as a foundation myth for the Athenian court system.

Oedipus

John Dryden

Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" is a classic Greek tragedy that explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of hubris. Oedipus, the king of Thebes, unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. The play unfolds as Oedipus investigates the plague that has struck Thebes, ultimately uncovering his own terrible past. The play's dramatic irony and Oedipus's descent from power are hallmarks of Greek tragedy. The play raises profound questions about human responsibility and the limits of human knowledge. Its enduring popularity stems from its exploration of universal themes of guilt, fate, and self-discovery.

Helen

Euripides

Euripides' "Helen" is a Greek tragedy that offers a unique retelling of the Trojan War myth. In this version, Helen never actually went to Troy; a phantom was sent in her place. The real Helen was stranded in Egypt, where she encounters Menelaus after the war. The play explores themes of deception, identity, and the nature of reality. "Helen" is known for its clever plot twists and its subversion of traditional expectations. The play's exploration of identity and the power of illusion remains relevant today. Its enduring appeal lies in its clever plot and its exploration of the human condition.

Iliad and the Odyssey

Homer

The Iliad is an epic poem set during the Trojan War, focusing on the wrath of Achilles and the final weeks of the siege of Troy. The Odyssey follows Odysseus as he travels home from the war, facing various challenges and encounters along the way. Both poems are central to Greek mythology and have been influential in Western literature, composed in Homeric Greek around the late 8th or early 7th century BC. They were likely part of a long oral tradition before being written down and are known for their use of dactylic hexameter and the literary device of starting in the middle of the story (in medias res)[1][2][5].

Medea

Euripides

The play revolves around Medea, a Colchian princess and sorceress, who seeks revenge against her husband Jason after he decides to marry Glauce, the daughter of King Creon of Corinth. Medea, feeling betrayed and dishonored, plots to kill Glauce, Creon, and her own children to inflict maximum pain on Jason. With the help of Aegeus, King of Athens, who offers her sanctuary, Medea executes her plan, leading to the tragic deaths of several characters and her eventual escape in a chariot provided by her grandfather, the sun-god Helios. The play explores themes of injustice, revenge, and the power of women in ancient Greek society[2][3][4].

Electra

Sophocles

Written towards the end of Sophocles' career, 'Electra' dramatizes the story of Orestes' revenge for the murder of his father, King Agamemnon, by his mother Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. The play explores Electra's intense grief and desire for vengeance, her psychological turmoil, and the moral complexities of her actions. The story unfolds with Orestes' return, his secret identity, and the eventual revelation and execution of the revenge plot. The play is notable for its examination of character, particularly Electra's unwavering dedication to her father and her conflict with her moral duty towards her mother. The tragic ending highlights the cyclical nature of violence and the consequences of revenge[1][4][5].

Antigone

Sophocles

Written in the 5th century BCE, 'Antigone' by Sophocles is a tragedy set in the ancient Greek city of Thebes. The play revolves around Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, who defies King Creon's law by burying her brother Polyneices, who was declared a traitor. This act of civil disobedience sparks a profound exploration of themes such as the tension between personal morality and state law, the nature of justice, the role of fate, and the dangers of excessive pride. The play highlights Antigone's unwavering commitment to her familial duty and the gods, contrasting with Creon's rigid adherence to the law. The tragic consequences of their inflexible moral standpoints lead to a devastating outcome, questioning the absolute authority of human law versus divine law.