The Eumenides 2

The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)

• C. Pre-trial before Athena (397-489)– 1. Athena’s introduction (397-414)

» a. She’s been away at Troy (397-404)» b. Asks the identity of the litigants; note praise of

Athens in 406 (404-414)– 2. Eumenides present their case (415-435)

» a. Note their one-sided view (426-427)» b. They entrust the case to Athena (433-435)

– 3. Orestes presents his case (436-469)» a. He has been purified already (443-452)» b. Tells the story and admits that he murdered his

mother (452-464)

The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)

» c. Tells of Apollo’s role in the deed (465-467)

» d. Likewise entrusts the case to Athena (468-469)

– 4. Athena decides to create a court to decide the case (470-489)

» a. She recognizes that Orestes has been purified of the crime (470-475)

» b. She cannot ignore the Eumenides because they will harm Athens (476-481)

» c. She decides to create a court of the best citizens (481-484)

Areopagus from the North

Areopagus and Acropolis

Areopagus from the East

The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)

• D. 3rd Stasimon (490-565)– 1. The fear the precedent (490-498)

– 2. If Orestes is acquitted the misery they cause is stripped of reason (499-515)

– 3. Suffering has a pedagogic/moral value (516-525)

– 4. They oppose the might-makes-right way of the world (526-549)

– 5. Right wins out; arrogant wrong is punished (550-565)

• E. The Trial (566-777)– 1. The second chorus enters (566-573)

The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)

– 2. Apollo claims responsibility for Clytemnestra’s death and confirms that he cleansed Orestes (576-581)

– 3. Eumenides interrogate Orestes; note 605 (582-608)

– 4. Orestes appeals to Apollo for help (609-613)

– 5. Chorus interrogates Apollo (614-673)

» a. Apollo’s always speaks Zeus’ will (616-618)

» b. Zeus’ justice is strong (619-621)

» c. Sophistic argument: a mother isn’t really a parent; witness Athena (657-666)

» d. He will strengthen Athens (bribe) and make a lasting alliance between Argos and Athens (667-673)

– 6. Interrogation phase ends (674-680)

The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)

– 7. Athena creates the Areopagus (681-710)

– 8. Apollo and Eumenides exchange threats: he threatens them, they threaten Athens (711-733)

– 9. Athena votes for acquittal because she prefers males (734-743)

– 10. The votes are counted and Orestes is acquitted by a split vote (744-753)

– 11. Orestes thanks Athena, promises future alliance between Argos and Athens, exits (754-777)

• F. The Eumenides receive a new role (778-1047)– 1. Eumenides complain and threaten; Athena offers them a place

in the city (778-891)

» a. Eumenides will have their revenge on Athens (778-793)

The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)

» b. Athena offers them an alternative (794-807)

» c. They have been overpowered by younger gods and will punish the city (808-822)

» d. Athena reminds them she has access to Zeus’ power (824-829)

» e. They appeal to their mother, Night (837-847)

» f. Athena foretells Athens’ future glory (851-857)

» g. Eumenides finally won over (892-926)

» h. The Eumenides bless Athens as Athena establishes them as the correctors of Athenian behavior (927-995)

» i. They depart (996-1031)

» j. Another chorus joins in (1032-1047)

Orpheus and Eurydice

– Orpheus• The human originator of music and poetry.

• Please ignore everything you read of “Orphic” cults.

– Eurydice• His new wife.

• Dies.

– The myth: Orpheus’ trip to Hades to rescue Eurydice.