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The Oresteia
Cluster Headache Two - 2012
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Discussion - Week Two - The Oresteia - The Libation Bearers
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I know I'm WAY behind schedule, but I just started The Libation Bearers. Is anyone here still reading this??
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I read it a few weeks ago. Do you like the opening scene as Electra and the slaves arrive at Ag's tomb?
Jim wrote: I read it a few weeks ago. Do you like the opening scene as Electra an..."Hi Jim. Unfortunately I can't answer this question (yet) because I have not been able to get any further than the introduction and Orestes speech. BUT, since you asked, I'm definitely going to read it tonight so I can answer your question by tomorrow!!!
Barbara, I read the whole thing and will check back in.
Hi Erika and Jim and anyone else reading the Libation Bearers!!The summer is slow in the biz I'm in, so I have not been able to invest (yet) in the recommended edition of The Oresteia.
The edition I'm reading is a Halcyon Classics Series of The Libation Bearers, which I downloaded for 99 cents on my Nook, and I do believe you get what you pay for. It's not a bad version, but I'm sure the edition recommended by Jim is WAY better, and I could really use the notes that come with that edition.
Jim, to answer your question about the opening scene when Electra and the slaves arrive at the tomb, I just want to make sure that the edition I'm reading is not "out of sync" with the Fagels edition.
The first scene in my edition is Orestes and Pylades at Ag's tomb. When Orestes sees the "woman-throng" (as he refers to the group of women heading toward the tomb), he said: "...I descry Electra mine own sister pacing hither, In moody grief conspicuous." Then he said to Pylades: "Pass we aside, till rightly I discern Wherefore these women throng in suppliance." And Orestes and Pylades exit (or hide behind a tree, I guess.)
I'm confused as to why Orestes' first instinct is to hide from Electra. I don't know how long it's been since they've seen each other, but later on (once Electra appears with the women, and then, later, when Orestes presents himself to Electra, Electra doesn't recognize Orestes at first (but he recognized her as soon as he saw her.)
I also find it strange that there's not more of a joyful reunion between Electra and Orestes, once Electra realizes that this is her "long lost" brother.
Here is an example from a Euripides play, Iphigenia in Taurus, which I will put into a spoiler for those who have not read the play (view spoiler)
Anyway, I was a bit disappointed that Electra and Orestes did not seem as enthusiastic about their unexpected reunion. I expected a big, joyous, embrace between the two.
I'm only as far as the conversation between Orestes and Electra, but I highlighted certain points that I would like to bring up here.
Jim, I also want to answer your question regarding the scene of Electra and the slaves arriving at the tomb, but I'm using wi-fi at Starbucks right now and a friend of mine just stopped in to surprise me, so I'm going to catch up with my friend now and I will be back later or tomorrow with more comments.
Erika and Jim and all other readers, did you also feel that the reunion between Orestes and Electra seemed a bit "matter of fact?"
Is anyone still reading this??? I was halfway through Libation Bearers and I put it down (JUST temporarily) because I've been very busy with my work and I'm trying to juggle a few different books.But I definitely like the Libation Bearers MUCH more than Agamemnon. I liked Agamemnon, but I think LB is more interesting.
Several years have passed since Clytemnestra took her revenge on Agamemnon. Their son, Orestes, has secretly returned from exile to pay his respects to his father’s memory. His sister Electra leads a group of women slaves bearing libations for the dead. Reunited, brother and sister plot their revenge. Once more, the Doomed House of Atreus runs red with blood.
Compelled by Apollo’s command, Orestes must kill his mother to avenge his father. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t…