Subjects:
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
enmity, adds to your own misery.” (l
. . .
One thing we can be sure of is the fact that Sophocles provides questions, not
answers. Electra's mourning results in her
abuse by both Clytemnestra and Aegisthus, who treat her as little better than a slave in
her own house. 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. Truly, Electra is the major cause of many of suffering for the characters in
the play. Through her relentless actions to seek a so called “justice”, tragic events
were triggered, therefore making Sophocles’ Electra the ultimate Greek tragedy.
But we are helpless; we should ride the storm with shortened sail… the right may lie
On your side, not on mine, but since they rule, I must submit, or lose all
liberty…(lines 332-340)” Again, Electra ignores the alternative perspective, and
continues her actions with her one track mind, causing her sister pain as well. Unfortunately, being the stubborn
person she is, she does not relent.
As well as causing the suffering of others, Electra is also a victim of the divine,
which contributes to the tragedy of the play. Although Electra depicts a questionable sense of justice through her
enthusiasm for murder, there still remains a strong case for the revenge.
Electra counters by arguing that justice cannot be achieved by answering a killing
with another killing which raises questions about the integrity of Electra's character,
for she herself wants to avenge her father's death. Her mourning is a natural response to an awful
occurrence, and she claims that although she does not necessarily “choose” grief, she
feels “forced”, as if by honor, to act as she does. 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”. Electra is willing to suffer in the name of honor, and, in the name of
justice, she rightfully longs to avenge her father's death. In the
Exodus, the chorus is an enthusiastic participant in the revenge, giving the alert when
Aegisthus approaches.
Essay's Topics
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