The+Oresteia+Study+guide

Agamemnon

The king of Argos and leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War.

Clytemnestra

Agamemnon's wife, who plots his murder.

Orestes

Son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, who seeks revenge for his father's death.

Electra

Daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, who aids Orestes in his quest for vengeance.

Iphigenia

Daughter of Agamemnon who was sacrificed to Artemis before the Trojan War.

Atreus

Father of Agamemnon and Menelaus, known for his tragic fate.

Thyestes

Brother of Atreus, who has a long-standing feud with him.

Cassandra

A prophetess cursed to never have her prophecies believed.

Aegisthus

Clytemnestra's lover who conspired with her to murder Agamemnon.

The Watchman

A character who opens the play by revealing the fall of Troy.

The Herald

A character who brings news of victory from Troy.

Cilissa

A character associated with Orestes in the play.

Pylades

Orestes' loyal friend and companion.

The Chorus

Group of characters that comments on the action and advises the main characters.

Divine law

The moral principles set by gods, specifically mentioned as laid down by Zeus and Justice.

Herald's perspective

A positive viewpoint about the outcome of the Trojan War despite its costs.

Cassandra's family curse

The curse that prevents her prophecies from being believed.

Orestes' reasons for revenge

Clytemnestra's betrayal, Aegisthus' involvement, and the desire to restore family honor.

Furies

Supernatural beings representing vengeance, who pursue Orestes after he kills his mother.

Athena

Goddess who plays a key role in determining the fate of Orestes after his act of vengeance.

Justice vs. Prejudice

The contrast between impartial justice and unfair bias that Athena emphasizes during the trial.

Members of the Chorus

Individuals who express the collective voice of society, often reflecting the moral implications of the play's events.

Clytemnestra's welcome

Initially perceived negatively by Agamemnon due to her excessive honoring.

Cycle of violence

The theme depicting the continuation of murder and revenge across generations in the play.

Sign of good news

The unusual appearance of a signal that indicates victory.

Moral ambiguity

A recurring theme throughout the play, questioning right and wrong.

Electra's recognition method

Identification of hair on Agamemnon's tomb, connecting to Orestes.

Judgment by Athena

Athena's decision to judge the case involving Orestes and the Furies, emphasizing fairness.