Sophocles, Electra

Sophocles, Electra Section: PROLOGUE PARODOS EPISODE I STASIMON I EPISODE II EPISODE III EPISODE IV Characters and action: none as such; instead there is a scene: (PAEDAGOGUS, ORESTES, ELECTRA), based on the idea of recognition (P & O) and non-recognition (Orestes & Electra) Each has a monologue; Orestes' & Electra's are of some lyric quality. Key words are `avenger' (P), `justice' (O), and `unjustly' and `vengeance...for murder' (E). CHORUS of Mycenaean women (`girls') and ELECTRA (121-338) Chorus is hostile to Clytamnestra & Aegistheus, but wishes Electra would get over the murder . Electra will not forget or forgive. Chorus suggests that her misfortunes therefore are her own `fault'. Electra wants `death for death in justice' (248) Curses (210, 291); `one cannot be moderate nor restrained nor pious either'. ELECTRA & CHRYSOTHEMIS C: "All the food I need is a quiet conscience. E: "Practice your flattery...so empty witted." CHORUS: predicts `Justice' at Electra's hands! predicts `the bronze-shod Fury'; Myrtilus & the family curse (507-513) CLYTAMNESTRA & ELECTRA E says C's motive was `seduction of that bad man' (562). E's psychologicalstate (618-622) and her explanation of it: hate on part of Clyt. compels her against her will. PAEDAGOGUS, CLYTAMNESTRA, ELECTRA The beginning of the plot to suggest that Orestes is dead-prepared in Prologue scene ELECTRA & CHORUS (in place of a stasimon) Lines 1-120 121-338 339-471 472-513 514-659 660-803 804-870 E still thinks Orestes is dead; death is a favor for her, not something to dread. EPISODE V EPISODE VI STASIMON II EPISODE VII EPISODE VIII STASIMON III EPISODE IX EPISODE X EXODOS ELECTRA & CHRYSOTHEMIS (871-989) Evidence from Chrysothemis that maybe O is not dead (lock of hair at the grave) . Electra is determined to avenge father AND brother (9867) Contempt for C's temperance. CHORUS, ELECTRA, CHRYSOTHEMIS Electra lacks prudence, and is assuming a `man's role.' Discussion of justice and vengeance: "Even justice brings harm with it." (1042) CHORUS: Furies, doom, destruction Aegistheus & Clytamnestra are the Furies (1080) ORESTES & ELECTRA: recognition at last (1098-1321) Signet ring (1221) She persuades him to vengeance & murder PAEDAGOGUS, ORESTES, ELECTRA punishment for crime Orestes `becomes Agamemnon' in Electra's thought: `Bless you, my father, for in you I think I see my father.'(1360) Electra prays to Apollo (1376-84) CHORUS: (excited) Approach of the War God, Ares (anticipation): Orestes `the champion of dead men' ELECTRA, CHORUS, VOICE OF CLYTAMNESTRA CHORUS: `blood to answer blood' "I cannot blame them." ELECTRA, ORESTES, AEGISTHEUS, CHORUS Electra: `Kill him as quickly as you can.' Orestes: `Justice shall be taken directly on all who act above the Law--justice by killing.' CHORUS: freedom comes from this deed to the House of Atreus (!??) 871-989 990-1057 1058-1097 1098-1321 1322-1384 1384-1396 1397-1422 1423-1507 1508-1510