Aeschylus: Oresteia - The Eumenides

Beginning and ending with the kindling of fires, Aeschylus’ trilogy, the Oresteia, reflects on the cyclicality of violence and the inescapable claims of blood kinship—claims binding parents and children, the living to the crimes of the dead.

We continue with Aeschylus' Eumenides, with the Furies (Erinyes) pursuing Orestes for the matricide he committed at Apollo's behest. In the play, Aeschylus continues to examine the inextricability of justice with vengeance and the experience of conflicting duties as divine commands, as inviolable and agonizing.

Please read ahead and be prepared to discuss Aeschylus’ Eumenides in detail.