Choephoroe

The second part of the Oresteia trilogy, in which Aeschyles (first half of the 5th century BCE) focuses on the murder of Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus by her son Orestes, in revenge for the murder Clytemnestra committed against her husband Agamemnon (see the previous part x), who in turn did so in revenge for the death of her daughter Iphigenia, as a sacrifice at the departure of the Greeks to the war against Troy. This carousel of revenge is one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology. There is actually nothing new to be found here.

But Aeschyles really emphasizes the risky nature of the revenge theme here. On the one hand, he has the chorus, normally a passive observer, play a very active role in inciting Orestes and his show more sister Electra; and it even plays a crucial role in how Aegisthus meets his end. Very unusual. In contrast, he has Orestes, Electra, and Clytemnestra allude to the flip side of the carousel of revenge: it never ends, for every murder awakens the goddesses of vengeance, as becomes apparent at the end of this play. It prompts the chorus, which now apparently comes to its senses, to the final words: “when will it be over, when will the end finally come where the urge for destruction has subsided?” The answer to that question follows in the third part of the trilogy, the Eumenides.

Some striking formal aspects: in the second part of the play, the dialogues are generally more spirited than in Aeschyles’ earlier plays, and more actors participate, although very slow and repetitive passages remain at times.

In terms of content, it is notable that Agamenon comes across well again, as in the previous play. And that several clearly misogynistic passages have been included once more.

Disclaimer: I'm reading and reviewing all classic ancient Greek plays, more or less in chronological order. But I'm not giving a rating. How could I, given their age? I'll make an exception only when a play is exceptional and still strikes an emotional and/or intellectual chord. show less

This was a great play! The action was binding, the pace structured and balanced, and the climax and language among some of the best that I've seen for ancient Greek drama. Overall, it is definitely well worth reading for anyone interested in classics, ancient literature, Greek literature, or drama. You will surely not be disappointed!

4.5 stars!

I read the Morshead translation on my Kindle, as part of "The House of Atreus" which is really The Oresteia with a different title as far as I can tell... I found this translation easier to understand than the Lattimore translation I used in reading the previous play in this trilogy, Agamemnon, but still challenging in places.

However, I will strongly recommend the (British) National Theater production which is available on YouTube. Tony Harrison's translation is easier for the modern ear, and the production done in the ancient Greek style (masks, etc.) is powerful. Of course, it is best appreciated if you start with the first play of the trilogy, but if you are familiar with the story, this play stands on its own.

I read the Morshead translation on my Kindle, as part of [b:The House of Atreus|21432805|The House of Atreus|Aeschylus|/assets/nocover/60x80.png|40743380] which is really The Oresteia with a different title as far as I can tell... I found this translation easier to understand then the Lattimore but still challenging in places.

However, I will strongly recommend the (British) National Theater production which is available on YouTube. Tony Harrison's translation is easier for the modern ear, and the production done in the ancient Greek style (masks, etc.) is powerful. Of course, it is best appreciated if you start with the first play of the trilogy, Agamemnon, but if you are familiar with the story, this play stands on its own.

In this second part of the trilogy that began with Agamemnon, we see the continued tragedies that affect the house of Atreus. Orestes returns and carries out revenge on his mother and uncle. The issues dealt with include that conflicting part of the Greek religion -- carrying out justice for a family member but also killing a family member. Orestes hears from the chorus a dream had by his mother of her nursing a snake (dragon) that drinks all of her curdled blood. He returns as a stranger under the guise of announcing his own death. He slays Aegisthus immediately and his own mother after arguing the matter with her. At the end, he knows that the same curse of the family will now come after him. Biographical notes: Aeschylus lived from show more 525 to 456 BC. Like Socrates and other of his contemporaries, he fought at Marathon. He is considered the founder of Greek tragedy and won many competitions at these regular events. This trilogy is the only full trilogy remaining. show less

it continues
Oresteia - Richmond Lattimore