"The Eumenides" by Aeschylus

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in the play "The Eumenides", Aeschylus,
while using many tragic elements to move the plot to its conclusion, nonetheless employs the unique feature of a positive ending, which is not contrived but rather well constructed from the elements throughout the play. The author points out that Aeschylus uses consistent symbolism and does not change the characters or the symbols in the story; instead, the changes occur from within and very gradually. The paper relates that the evolution of the play echoes the evolution within the depicted society during which conflicting forces were at work and the savage practices of the past were being replaced by the civilization of the new paradigm.

Tale of Contents
The Furies
Sacrifice and Redemption

From the Paper:

"This is the point where forgiveness rather than revenge comes to the forefront of the play. Athena's argument rests on the new order rather than the old. The emerging civilization is to be based upon understanding, forgiveness and atonement. Indeed, the foregoing events in the play have shown that violence begets violence. Revenge upon revenge is exacted, with never an end to the blood and death of citizens that could otherwise have proved worthy members of society. In the ultimate show of forgiveness and atonement, Athena shows that the Furies can have a place in the new society. This however comes not with a warning, but with an assumption that even the Furies have a sense of justice."

More papers on "The Eumenides" by Aeschylus:

• Analytical Essay # 118206 : "Blood and the 'Eumenides'"
• Book Review # 101734 : "The Oresteia of Aeschylus"
• Comparison Essay # 70800 : "Eumenides" and "Romeo and Juliet"

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