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The Eumenides: Athena's Trial and Their Transformation

In The Eumenides, Athena holds a pre-trial to decide Orestes' case, creating a court of the best citizens. The trial unfolds, Apollo defends Orestes, and Athena votes for his acquittal. As a result, the Eumenides receive a new role in Athens with their blessings.

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The Eumenides: Athena's Trial and Their Transformation

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  1. The Eumenides 2

  2. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.) • C. Pre-trial before Athena (397-489) • 1. Athena’s introduction (397-414) • a. She’s been away at Troy (397-404) • b. Asks the identity of the litigants; note praise of Athens in 406 (404-414) • 2. Eumenides present their case (415-435) • a. Note their one-sided view (426-427) • b. They entrust the case to Athena (433-435) • 3. Orestes presents his case (436-469) • a. He has been purified already (443-452) • b. Tells the story and admits that he murdered his mother (452-464)

  3. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.) • c. Tells of Apollo’s role in the deed (465-467) • d. Likewise entrusts the case to Athena (468-469) • 4. Athena decides to create a court to decide the case (470-489) • a. She recognizes that Orestes has been purified of the crime (470-475) • b. She cannot ignore the Eumenides because they will harm Athens (476-481) • c. She decides to create a court of the best citizens (481-484)

  4. Areopagus from the North

  5. Areopagus and Acropolis

  6. Areopagus from the East

  7. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.) • D. 3rd Stasimon (490-565) • 1. The fear the precedent (490-498) • 2. If Orestes is acquitted the misery they cause is stripped of reason (499-515) • 3. Suffering has a pedagogic/moral value (516-525) • 4. They oppose the might-makes-right way of the world (526-549) • 5. Right wins out; arrogant wrong is punished (550-565) • E. The Trial (566-777) • 1. The second chorus enters (566-573)

  8. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.) • 2. Apollo claims responsibility for Clytemnestra’s death and confirms that he cleansed Orestes (576-581) • 3. Eumenides interrogate Orestes; note 605 (582-608) • 4. Orestes appeals to Apollo for help (609-613) • 5. Chorus interrogates Apollo (614-673) • a. Apollo’s always speaks Zeus’ will (616-618) • b. Zeus’ justice is strong (619-621) • c. Sophistic argument: a mother isn’t really a parent; witness Athena (657-666) • d. He will strengthen Athens (bribe) and make a lasting alliance between Argos and Athens (667-673) • 6. Interrogation phase ends (674-680)

  9. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.) • 7. Athena creates the Areopagus (681-710) • 8. Apollo and Eumenides exchange threats: he threatens them, they threaten Athens (711-733) • 9. Athena votes for acquittal because she prefers males (734-743) • 10. The votes are counted and Orestes is acquitted by a split vote (744-753) • 11. Orestes thanks Athena, promises future alliance between Argos and Athens, exits (754-777) • F. The Eumenides receive a new role (778-1047) • 1. Eumenides complain and threaten; Athena offers them a place in the city (778-891) • a. Eumenides will have their revenge on Athens (778-793)

  10. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.) • b. Athena offers them an alternative (794-807) • c. They have been overpowered by younger gods and will punish the city (808-822) • d. Athena reminds them she has access to Zeus’ power (824-829) • e. They appeal to their mother, Night (837-847) • f. Athena foretells Athens’ future glory (851-857) • g. Eumenides finally won over (892-926) • h. The Eumenides bless Athens as Athena establishes them as the correctors of Athenian behavior (927-995) • i. They depart (996-1031) • j. Another chorus joins in (1032-1047)

  11. Orpheus and Eurydice • Orpheus • The human originator of music and poetry. • Please ignore everything you read of “Orphic” cults. • Eurydice • His new wife. • Dies. • The myth: Orpheus’ trip to Hades to rescue Eurydice.

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