Purified by FurySo what do you do when two options are both normatively right, yet diametrically opposed to one another? Orestia is an example of the very dialectic that destroyed ancient man. The story itself is rather mediocre, but like any classic it could probably be transposed onto any culture at any time. The Orestia is interesting for the issues it raises: chaotic fickle gods versus instruments of fate which themselves are independent of the gods. The only hope, as Athena hints at the end, is a higher synthesis that overcomes the two.Contrast that with the Sermon on the Mount.The dialectic is then undone. The Oresteia by AeschylusHe sends his daughter to death. In turn, his wife takes revenge and kills him. Then the son comes to town. What happens next? It is for you to find out, if you have the gumptionThis seems to be the story of a family of serial killers.What can you get out of so many Crimes and Misdemeanors?Actually, a lot. For together with the series of murders, the plot involves characters that are valiant, resilient, at times wise, and generous even if also revengeful.From a positive psychology perspective, and in particular looking at the ten elements identified by Barbara Frederickson that contribute to positivity, they are all here:Awe, interest, pride, joy, amusement, inspiration, serenity, gratitude, hope and love.It all starts with Iphigenia.She is the daughter of Agamemnon- the great Ancient Greek hero- and Clytemnestra, his wife. Agamemnon is ordered by the gods to sacrifice his daughter, so that the ships can set sail for Troy. But this is where he is wrong, and Clytemnestra kind of justified in her future actions.Let us assume that the issue of that religion, with its gods is not to be disputed here. It seems rather silly, if not outright stupid, to look for guidance to “creatures” that fornicate, bicker and fight with each other, cheat and lie on a daily basis.But even if we give this attenuating circumstance, what about the other reason for such a cruel and disturbing sacrifice?How can you kill your own daughter, in order to be allowed to set sail to Troy, to take part in a rather crazy looking conflict, to get back a woman who had run away from her husband? I know, it is much more complicated than that, but as father to an only daughter, I feel nevertheless that the reason given for death of Iphigenia is plain wrong.Yes, times and perspectives were different, and I was wondering while listening to Iphigenia how it will all change. In the ancient days, being sort of bisexual was the norm. Mature men had sex with young males, in a kind of initiation. Sometimes it was a more complex relationship. For many centuries, and today in many (I guess most) countries, sodomy was not only unacceptable, but illegal and, even today in places like Saudi Arabia, enforcing a kind of Sharia law, homosexuals get killed. This is changing in the West, where marriages are becoming more and more common. So where is this heading? I am not sure.Clytemnestra kills her husband, blaming Agamemnon for the death of her daughter.And for good reason she says with a broken heart:- He needs to pay for the death of Iphigenia!But then Orestes comes back and is furious to learn of the killing of his father.Here I am not sure, should I mark a spoiler and carry on with what happens next?Is there anybody really reading so far through this note?With the intention of trying to see if Oresteia is worth reading, and not knowing about the killings and the murders?Well, I did know about Agamemnon, his wife and Orestes. I even knew something about Iphigenia, but this piece in the big puzzle had been forgotten until I have read Oresteia and then placed all together.So I better not say what comes next, after Orestes learns about the murder of his father, except that there are some interesting Furies involved, who seemed to my astonishment to be disputing the Gods.How come?I thought the Gods rule supreme, but I guess I could do with some rehearsal of Mythology. It is a wonderful play, even if rather bloody and cruel
What do You think about The Choephori (2000)?
superb visual structurecthat, like a net, weaves all pieces and events together.
—Tim
Read it for school but turned out liking it much more than I thought I would.
—hypermarn
It was boring. At least it was easy to understand. Not a fan of plays.
—Corina
Generally okay, but misogyny like woah at the end.
—sarbear
Loved the political overtones of The Eumenides.
—Rifky_
