|
PROLOGUE |
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). |
1-120 |
|
PARODOS |
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'. |
121-338 |
| EPISODE I
|
ELECTRA & CHRYSOTHEMIS
C: "All the food I need is a quiet conscience.
E: "Practice your flattery...so empty witted." |
339-471 |
| STASIMON I |
CHORUS: predicts `Justice' at Electra's hands!
predicts `the bronze-shod Fury'; Myrtilus & the family curse (507-513) |
472-513 |
| EPISODE II
|
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. |
514-659 |
| EPISODE III |
PAEDAGOGUS, CLYTAMNESTRA, ELECTRA
The beginning of the plot to suggest that Orestes is dead--prepared in Prologue scene |
660-803 |
| EPISODE IV |
ELECTRA & CHORUS (in place of a stasimon)
E still thinks Orestes is dead; death is a favor for her, not something to dread. |
804-870 |
| EPISODE V |
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 (986-7)
Contempt for C's temperance. |
871-989 |
| EPISODE VI
|
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) |
990-1057 |
| STASIMON II |
CHORUS: Furies, doom, destruction
Aegistheus & Clytamnestra are the Furies (1080) |
1058-1097 |
| EPISODE VII |
ORESTES & ELECTRA: recognition at last (1098-1321)
Signet ring (1221)
She persuades him to vengeance & murder |
1098-1321 |
| EPISODE VIII
|
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) |
1322-1384 |
| STASIMON III |
CHORUS: (excited)
Approach of the War God, Ares (anticipation): Orestes `the champion of dead men' |
1384-1396 |
| EPISODE IX |
ELECTRA, CHORUS, VOICE OF CLYTAMNESTRA
CHORUS: `blood to answer blood' "I cannot blame them." |
1397-1422 |
EPISODE X
|
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. |
1423-1507 |
| EXODOS |
CHORUS: freedom comes from this deed to the House of Atreus (!??) |
1508-1510 |
