Ultimate Tragedy
"Tragic heroes may be instruments of the divine as well as victims of the divine." The Greek tragedy Electra written by Sophocles exemplifies the idea that tragic heroes are not only conductors of power because but also victims of their own tragedy. Electra is a major impact on the suffering of other characters, and is a major driving The numerous actions of Electra throughout the play influence other characters around her to suffer greatly. For instance, even something as simple as mourning for her deceased father irritates her mother, Clytemnestra everyday, bringing her constant suffering. Electra's persistent lamentations even go as far as worrying the chorus, who stand beside her, trying to reassure her, and to show their support and sympathy: "... you should be wise, and say no more, it is yourself and what you do that brings upon yourself this cruel outrage. Your sullen, irreconcilable heart, Breeding strife and
One thing we can be sure of is the fact that Sophocles provides questions, not answers. During the scene when Chrysothemis approaches their dead father's grave with offerings, Electra labels Chrysothemis as a "coward"(line 401), arguing that Chrysothemis has become a traitor who gives into their father's "bitterest enemies". Although Electra depicts a questionable sense of justice through her enthusiasm for murder, there still remains a strong case for the revenge. Truly, Electra is the major cause of many of suffering for the characters in the play. Unfortunately, being the stubborn person she is, she does not relent. The reactions of the chorus, too, throughout the play, seem to sanctify the revenge. On the other hand, it occurs in accordance with an oracle from Apollo, which in Athenian times was stronger than law and a blasphemy to ignore. In the Exodus, the chorus is an enthusiastic participant in the revenge, giving the alert when Aegisthus approaches. But we are helpless; we should ride the storm with shortened sail. Through her relentless actions to seek a so called "justice", tragic events were triggered, therefore making Sophocles' Electra the ultimate Greek tragedy. Clytemnestra insists that she murdered Agamemnon to avenge for his sacrifice of their daughter.
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