ClSt 200 - Greek Tragedy

Outline of Aeschylus' Oresteia

Agamemnon
Lines	Events
1-263	Watchman sees Agamemnon's fleet approaching. The Chorus enters and provides background information on the situation.
264-319	Clytemnestra explains to the Chorus that the Greeks have sacked Troy.
320-502	The Chorus summarizes the causes of the Trojan War, especially in relation to "Guest-Friendship."
503-585	A herald proclaims Agamemnon's victory over Troy.
586-612	Clytemnestra discusses plans for Agamemnon's glorious return.
613-680	The herald and the Chorus talk about a storm that sank many Greek ships.
681-781	Long choral monologue on Helen and the downfall of Troy.
782-854	Agamemnon enters. The Chorus hints that Agamemnon has domestic issues to address.
855-913	Clytemnestra explains that Orestes is elsewhere. She then invites Agamemnon to walk on a purple cloth.
914-974	Agamemnon debates whether he should walk on the carpet. Eventually, "on his own will," he does.
975-1068	Clytemnestra addresses Cassandra and tells her (in no uncertain terms) to enter the palace.
1069-1201	Cassandra tells the Chorus of the events to follow. The Chorus (of course) refuses to believe her.
1202-1245	Cassandra explains why no one believes her prophecies.
1246-1330	Cassandra details the events leading to Agamemnon's death, and then her own.
1331-1371	Offstage, Clytemnestra kills Agamemnon and Cassandra; the frantic and terrified Chorus listens helplessly.
1372-1446	Clytemnestra explains why she murdered Agamemnon: He sacrificed Iphegenia, their daughter, for favorable sailing conditions.
1447-1575	Using various other, analogous myths as "precedents," the Chous and Clytemnestra debate whether her actions are justifiable.
1576-1611	Aegisthus explains the curse on Atreus' house.
1612-1674	Aegisthus and Clytemnestra reveal their plans to the chorus.

Libation Bearers This play is NOT assigned for class readings -- BUT since it is the middle part of the trilogy, a working knowledge of the basic plot will be most helpful
Lines	Events
1-105	Orestes, Electra, and Chorus individually lament Agamemnon's murder.
106-211	Exchange between Electra and Chorus. Electra learns that Orestes has returned.
212-264	Orestes reveals himself; Electra eventually recognizes him.
265-371	Orestes, Electra and Chorus lament the unheroic nature of Agamemnon's death.
372-460	Orestes and Electra decide the proper recourse is to kill Clytemnestra and Aegisthus.
461-509	Orestes and Electra pray to Agamemnon's shade and various gods for permission to carry out the murders.
510-584	Orestes develops his plan of attack. Clytemnestra's dream shows his plan will succeed.
585-651	The Chorus discusses some analogous myths.
652-718	Dressed as foreigners, Orestes and Pylades talk with Clytemnestra. Orestes, claiming to be a messenger, says he is dead.
719-782	Clissa and the Chorus talk. Clytemnestra and her clan have fallen for Orestes' plan.
783-837	The Chorus pleads with Zeus.
838-884	Aegisthus briefly talks with the Chorus. As soon as he moves off-stage, Orestes and Pylades kill him.
885-930	Orestes and Clytemnestra: Clytemnestra argues Orestes has no ground on which to kill her; Orestes and Pylades see it differently and drag her inside.
931-971	Choral monologue. Meanwhile, Orestes kills Clytemnestra off-stage.
972-1043	Orestes reiterates his justification for killing Clytemnestra and Aegisthus.
1044-1076	The Eumenides attack Orestes.

Eumenides
Lines	Events
1-63	The Pythia describes the Eumenides (Chorus) attacking Orestes.
64-93	Apollo reveals how Orestes will be acquitted.
94-178	Clytemnestra's shade stirs the Eumenides to further attack Orestes.
179-234	The Eumenides and Apollo debate the cosmic "legality" of the Eumenides' attacks on Orestes.
235-396	Extended monlogue by the Eumenides concerning their genealogy.
397-442	Conversation between Athena and the Eumenides. The Eumenides agree they would free Orestes if he were proven innocent.
443-489	Eumenides state their justification for attacking Orestes to Athena. Athena decides to gather a jury of Athenian citizens.
490-565	Another monologue by the Eumenides on their functions and duties.
566-613	Athena sets up the trial, and Apollo vows to defend Orestes. The Eumenides begin their "cross-examination" of Orestes.
614-673	Apollo testifies on Orestes' behalf and demonstrates his innocence.
674-710	Athena asks the Athenian jurors to vote. She also sets up Athens as the world's center of justice.
711-777	The jury splits 50/50, but Athena casts her vote for Orestes, and thus he is acquitted.
778-847	The Eumenides, dishonored by the decision, threathen to take their anger out on Athens.
848-1031	As compensation, Athena offers the Eumenides special privileges and honors from Athens.
1032-1047	Athenian citizens hold a procession honoring the Eumenides.