Eumenides

What is the function of the Ghost of Clytemnestra in the play? Why is it significant that she is the one who wakes up the Furies and urges them on?

Why do the Furies continue to pursue Orestes even after Apollo has purified him?

Compare and contrast the old gods and the new gods in the play.

Why is it significant that Athena is the one who organizes Orestes’s trial and placates the Furies?

The Oresteia play cycle is an etiological explanation for justice as an impartial and codified system. Why does this type of justice prevail? What case does the play make to move away from the older, vendetta-based model of retributive justice?

Research the traditional domains and qualities associated with Athena and Apollo. How does the play characterize these gods? How are their rhetorical styles different?

Does the play portray Apollo’s defense of Orestes as convincing or is his argument about mothers not being related to children somewhat tongue-in-cheek? How is his audience within the play meant to react to this line of reasoning? What about the audience watching the play?

Why do the Furies accept Athena’s offer for new cult honors at Athens?