First Impressions of Clytemnestra in Euripides’ Electra :: Euripides Electra Essays

First Impressions of Clytemnestra in Euripides Electra The play begins with the dreary-eyed watch homosexual, scargond nettled (old comrade, terror 17) of the Queen (that woman - she manoeuvres like a man 13) and her tyrannical rule. He says that he cries for the hard times that he endures. We be very sure from what he says that the House of Atreus is in cruel pass and he clamours for the return of his loving King. Clytemnestra is never mentioned by name, as the pale is afraid of punishment for saying too much (I never say a word). Her influence is only around, raze if she herself is not present. The Chorus sing as Clytemnestra moves around the stage, lighting fires and unmoved to their appeals for news. Their outcry tells the history of the Greek expeditions problems as they set off for Troy. It would seem that, whilst intoxicate the name of Agamemnon (with the power of Zeus 47) they also happen upon the death of Iphigenia with capacious pity (gentle curving lips... h er glance... wounding every murderer). They describe his heartache (pain both ways 212) between both courses of action, whether to observe the oracle or save his daughter. But undeniably, the Chorus does not approve with what he did (cause of all our grief 222) and tell with great distress a flashback of Iphigenia singing at the feasts to Zeus (transfixed with joy 246). It is with this in our mind that we finally talk to Clytemnestra, the mother of the slaughtered child. The Chorus is indeed reverential (we respect your power 259) but is it her power or the power she holds? It appears that they are dutiful to Agamemnons wife, not to Clytemnestra (the warlords woman 260). As the leader and Clytemnestra exchange knowledge about the fall of Troy, we see that she is very quick to anger by his words (sends you into raptures No one takes me with visions 274-5). Whether the Chorus is being rude or she is merely quick to offend is in the balance. The Chorus after all dont regard her beacons very highly (real of just a ambitiousness 481). I would argue though, that it is Clytemnestra who is looking for any sign of disloyalty in them even if there is little to see (were loyal... never blame your silence 263). Her secernate of the beacon relay to bring her word of the fall of Troy is told in arrogant ostentatious fashion (my commands.