Clytemnestra enters to have a word with her unruly daughter. She defends her actions by reminding Electra (and the audience) of the injustice of Agamemnon killing their other daughter [Iphigenia] merely to placate the Greek army and his brother Menelaus. Surely she is in the right in vindicating her own daughter. Electra counters that Clytemnestra did the murder for her own selfish reasons: to be with the usurper Aegisthus. Moreover, Agamemnon's killing of Iphigenia was in direct accordance with the wishes of Artemis. Did Clytemnestra have any divine instruction before her murders? More back-and-forth. The Chorus is confused.
Paedogogus enters, in disguise and unrecognized. He brings "pleasant news" [?] to Clytemnestra: Orestes is dead. He was killed in a chariot race at a set of contests he was winning. There was a pile-up on turn four, and in the mayhem Orestes was thrown from his chariot and trampled. Electra is devastated, but Clytemnestra is demure. Paedogogus is surprised she is not relieved, for it is well known that Orestes was a threat to Aegisthus's throne. Clytemnestra explains that Electra has always been more a thorn in their side, living within the palace and all. Electra is ready to give up on her life completely. The Chorus wonders if there is any justice in the world at all.
Chrysothemis enters, also claiming to bear "happy" news. Orestes is alive! She saw sacrifices at Agamemnon's grave, including flowers and a lock of hair that could only be Orestes's. Electra breaks the bad news, but offers counsel. She has steeled herself for what must be done: the task of avenging Agamemnon's murder falls to the two of them. Chrysothemis, ever timid, wavers. They, two women, have not hope of pulling off such a plot. Electra blows her off and decides to go it alone, and Chrysothemis can't talk her out of it. The Chorus wishes her success, for she is the only one left so devoted in the pursuit of justice.
No comments:
Post a Comment