The Libation Bearers & The Eumenides

Have a little read: ... Naquib Rupawalla Myth and Meaning Learning Log 04th March 2002. The Libation Bearers & The Eumenides In the Libation Bearers I do feel that there is a certain parriality between Orestes and his mother. She, too, appeared in public proudly displaying the body of her victim. She, too, declared that the murder was in the name of justice, and that finally the cycle of violence was over. She, too, displayed the robe that ensnared her husband. Orestes does all of these things as well. Although he confidently proclaims that he has done what needed to be done, but this time around the chorus agrees with his doings, whereas they had not agreed with his mother, Clytemnestra. Orestes himself says, that his reasons for killing his mother are strong. She murdered his father. She had disinherited Orestes and his sister, and the god Apollo has commanded Orestes to kill her, threatening punishment if Orestes does not follow through with the act. But duty is not as easy in this case. Orestes was still committing a morally repulsive act. He would not escape punishment. I feel that The Furies are symbolic of a simple justice, that the murderer must be punished. In The Libation Bearers I also felt that the spotlight was more intensely on the house and its characters. In my view the ending of the trilogy is more than merely an happy ending, it is an optimistic ending that points to a great future. A great and beautiful fate awaits Orestes and his kingdom, the friendship between Argos and Athens, the Eumenides, and the city of Athens itself. The scope of the trilogy has opened up. Orestes after his verdict leaves Athena promptly and the Furies to hammer out the beginnings of a new future. I kinda feel that the Furies initially could not see beyond their rage. In response to powerful arguments, they could only repeat threats and old grievances. Hence in my belief they are only invested in certain thoughts and ideas. They don't have the suppleness of thought possessed by Athena and Apollo. For example, when Athena tries to reason with them after the verdict, it took a while to get through to them, the Furies just kept repeating their list of grievances and threats. But I also feel that Athena was gracious to acknowledge the wisdom possessed by the Furies. While Clytaemestra used persuasion and flattery as part of her scheme