The Oresteia Chapter Summary & Analysis - Play 3, Part 2 (205-215) Summary

Play 3, Part 2 (205-215) Summary

Some time later, Orestes arrives at the shrine of Athena in Athens. In a prayer that indicates he's had a long and hard journey, he prays that he be welcomed and that his case be heard fairly. The Chorus/Eumenides arrive, having tracked Orestes down (see "Quotes", p. 206) and eager to act upon their bloodthirsty desire for revenge - "thy living limbs," they chant, "shalt yield in turn / Red pulp of thy fair flesh to be devoured". Finally, they comment that his evident desperation for aid from Athena is fruitless, but he cries out that time has washed him clean of his sin, and that Athena will decide in his favor. The Chorus/Eumenides claim that neither Apollo nor Athena can help him and perform a lengthy poetic ode/dance celebrating their power, their inevitability, their agelessness, and their divine right.

Athena appears, having heard...
(read more)