Eumenides

Aeschylus,
Alan H. Sommerstein

Book 3 in the series:Ορέστεια

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trial for avenging murder

athenian views on justice

areopagus court significance

relationship between gods and humans

orestes, athena, and the furies

themes of justice and morality

clear and accessible writing style

fast and engaging pacing

erinyes (furies) pursuit

comprehensive commentary

About:

'Eumenides' by Aeschylus, Alan H. Sommerstein is the third play in the Oresteia trilogy. It depicts the final resolution of Orestes' struggle to rid himself of the Erinyes, also known as the Furies, who are pursuing him to avenge his killing of his mother, Clytemnestra. The play revolves around a remarkable trial that takes place in Athens, presided over by the goddess Athena at a newly established court on the Areopagus. Through this trial, the text offers insights into Athenian views on justice, the relationship between Olympian gods and older deities, and the symbiotic relationship between gods and humans. The writing style is described as clear, well-balanced, and comprehensive, making the play accessible even to readers with limited knowledge of Greek.

Characters:

Characters include Orestes, Athena, and the Furies, each representing different themes of justice and morality.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is clear and accessible, emphasizing coherence while providing comprehensive commentary.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves Orestes' trial for avenging his mother's death, highlighting themes of justice and divine influence.

Setting:

The setting is in ancient Athens, focusing on the Areopagus court and its significance in Athenian society.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, keeping tension high throughout the trial.

Notes:

Eumenides is the third play in Aeschylus's Oresteia trilogy.

The play revolves around Orestes, who is pursued by the Furies for avenging his mother Clytemnestra's death.

The trial in the play takes place in Athens, presided over by Athena at a newly established court on the Areopagus.

Eumenides is shorter than Agamemnon but similar in length to Choephori.

The text is easier to read in Greek compared to the first two plays in the trilogy.

The commentary helps restore clarity to confusing parts of the text due to transmission issues.

The edition includes a 36-page introduction and over 200 pages of commentary.

The introduction has mini-essays on topics like the Orestes myth and the nature of the Erinyes.

The play is seen to reflect Athenian views on justice and the relationship between gods and humans.

Sommerstein's commentary is geared towards readers with some knowledge of Greek tragedy and the Oresteia.

The book provides extensive discussions of character development and legal arguments in the play.

The commentary addresses connections between Eumenides and the previous plays in the trilogy.

Sommerstein may evade gender issues important to the play, which could frustrate some readers.

The play remains suspenseful, especially during Orestes' trial.

Readers found the commentary accessible and helpful for those with 2-3 years of Greek study.

Many think the themes of the play are still relevant to modern discussions of law and judgment.

From The Publisher:

The EumenidesAeschylus

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