Agamemnon Questions

First review the treatment of Agamemnon’s death in The Odyssey, especially in the following: pp 233-4, 251-2, 338-9.  Then Summarize the Homeric perspective on this story.  Who is to blame?  What is the nature of the crime committed; that is, what motivates those who commit the crime?  Who is Clytaemnestra’s sister, and why would this be relevant?

What is the key plot element missing from the Homeric version, the element that entirely changes our view of Clytaemnestra?  Summarize her perspective as given in the Agamemnon.

What is the playwright’s perspective: is Clytaemnestra guilty of murder or of justifiable homicide?

What is the your own perspective: is Clytaemnestra guilty of murder or of justifiable homicide?

Libation Bearers Questions

As you read the second play, did your own perspective concerning Clytemnestra’s guilt or innocence change?  Why?

What do you believe must be done to end the cycle of violence found in this play while still maintaining a sense of Justice? 

What would be done in the US, today, to end this cycle?  How does this solution differ from the ancient Greek one – practiced by Clytemnestra and Orestes – and what do these differences say about contemporary views of Justice, Fate and Free Will?