Cons: Reader will enjoy book more with proper background.
The Bottom Line: Way better than the Cliffs notes and about the same amount of reading too. Trust me I thought shirking until I started reading both.
brandobean's Full Review: Aeschylus, 1: The Oresteia Agamemmon, the Libatio...
I am a curious type. I enjoy many diverse hobbies and ancient Greek folklore is no exception. Although I do enjoy the topic I have never accomplished a serious read of any ancient Greek works. The real reason I read this book was because I took a Humanities class and the text was required. I was apprehensive about reading this book in its poetic and quite old translated form, but after the first story, Agamemnon I was into the syntax and on the road to an enriching tale.
The Orestia is split into three plays: Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers and The Eumenidies. Each play serves its own purpose, but the play wouldn't be whole without all three parts. When reading this book it is important to remember that this play takes place historically after Homer's Iliad. Although the authors are different the story is a continuation of the life and death of Agamemnon.
**Ahead are some spoilers**
...Students... don't base your paper on this you're only cheating yourself, plus I'm not telling everything.
The first play deals with Agamemnon returning home from war (students read it to find out which war it was). He brings home a prize bride (read for her name), his wife (your catching on) is jealous and upset. She hatches a plan to kill both he and his new trick in their castle.
As she kills her husband, his prize bride has a premonition of her death. Of course she is killed also. Agamemnon's wife justifies her act by exacting revenge as Agamemnon sacrificed their daughter to the gods for a safe journey to the island where he made war. (Yes I am leaving names out on purpose to cheat all of you would-be book reporters).
The second chapter is the aftermath of the first. After all of the death in Agamemnon's family, his son must choose which path to take. Murder for murder like the past, or something different? Hmmm. What could it be? We do not find out in this chapter because Agamemnon's son decides to murder his mother.
In the final play of the book Agamemnon's son is pursued by the frightening Furies (ok I threw you a bone). They want to exact retribution for his evil deed. Long story short: a god enters the picture and created a trial by jury for Agamemnon's son. Nothing like this has happened in this society yet. For all, justice is reformed, forgiveness is instilled as a value and people can now resolve their differences civilly.
Three interesting bits of knowledge about this book:
1. The author, Aeschylus fought in a famous war in Athens, he wrote this book after he survived the war. This play won a contest in Athens for best play as it symbolized the nature of their countries victories and progressions toward bureaucracy
2. The three plays here are all that remain of this work. Some historians believe there are more plays in The Eumenides, but have been lost in time.
3. There is a strong connection between Athens and the god selected to bring social reform in the third play. (If that isn't a bone and a half I don't know what is).
So now I digress. I have told you too much and at the same time I have told you nothing. I do hope you read this book. It is an unforgettable piece of historical literature. For maximum enjoyment please read the forward and be familiar with who Athena and Agamemnon are.
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