36 pages 1 hour read

Aeschylus

Eumenides

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 458

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Eumenides by Aeschylus, Orestes seeks purification after killing his mother Clytemnestra to avenge his father. Pursued by the Furies, he turns to Apollo and then Athena for help. Athena organizes a trial in Athens, where Apollo argues for Orestes's acquittal successfully. The Furies, initially enraged, are pacified by Athena and transformed into the Eumenides, protectors of justice.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Aeschylus’ Eumenides is lauded for its rich examination of justice, divine intervention, and societal order. Critics appreciate its profound philosophical themes and dramatic culmination of the Oresteia trilogy. However, some find its dense Greek mythology challenging and its pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a pivotal work in classical literature, praised for its thematic depth and dramatic intensity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Eumenides?

Readers who enjoy ancient Greek tragedies, themes of justice and fate, and moral dilemmas will appreciate Aeschylus' Eumenides. Fans of works like Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Shakespeare’s Hamlet will find its exploration of divine influence on human affairs compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

15-18years

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Revenge

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Period

Ancient Greece

Genre

Drama / Tragedy

Play: Drama

Topics

Philosophy

Trauma / Abuse / Violence