1. The Eumenides 2

2. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)
C. Pre-trial before Athena ( )
1. Athena’s introduction ( )
a. She’s been away at Troy ( )
b. Asks the identity of the litigants; note praise of Athens in 406 ( )
2. Eumenides present their case ( )
a. Note their one-sided view ( )
b. They entrust the case to Athena ( )
3. Orestes presents his case ( )
a. He has been purified already ( )
b. Tells the story and admits that he murdered his mother ( )

3. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)
c. Tells of Apollo’s role in the deed ( )
d. Likewise entrusts the case to Athena ( )
4. Athena decides to create a court to decide the case ( )
a. She recognizes that Orestes has been purified of the crime ( )
b. She cannot ignore the Eumenides because they will harm Athens ( )
c. She decides to create a court of the best citizens ( )

4. Areopagus from the North

5. Areopagus and Acropolis

6. Areopagus from the East

7. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)
D. 3rd Stasimon ( )
1. The fear the precedent ( )
2. If Orestes is acquitted the misery they cause is stripped of reason ( )
3. Suffering has a pedagogic/moral value ( )
4. They oppose the might-makes-right way of the world ( )
5. Right wins out; arrogant wrong is punished ( )
E. The Trial ( )
1. The second chorus enters ( )

8. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)
2. Apollo claims responsibility for Clytemnestra’s death and confirms that he cleansed Orestes ( )
3. Eumenides interrogate Orestes; note 605 ( )
4. Orestes appeals to Apollo for help ( )
5. Chorus interrogates Apollo ( )
a. Apollo’s always speaks Zeus’ will ( )
b. Zeus’ justice is strong ( )
c. Sophistic argument: a mother isn’t really a parent; witness Athena ( )
d. He will strengthen Athens (bribe) and make a lasting alliance between Argos and Athens ( )
6. Interrogation phase ends ( )

9. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)
7. Athena creates the Areopagus ( )
8. Apollo and Eumenides exchange threats: he threatens them, they threaten Athens ( )
9. Athena votes for acquittal because she prefers males ( )
10. The votes are counted and Orestes is acquitted by a split vote ( )
11. Orestes thanks Athena, promises future alliance between Argos and Athens, exits ( )
F. The Eumenides receive a new role ( )
1. Eumenides complain and threaten; Athena offers them a place in the city ( )
a. Eumenides will have their revenge on Athens ( )

10. The Eumenides: Plot (cont.)
b. Athena offers them an alternative ( )
c. They have been overpowered by younger gods and will punish the city ( )
d. Athena reminds them she has access to Zeus’ power ( )
e. They appeal to their mother, Night ( )
f. Athena foretells Athens’ future glory ( )
g. Eumenides finally won over ( )
h. The Eumenides bless Athens as Athena establishes them as the correctors of Athenian behavior ( )
i. They depart ( )
j. Another chorus joins in ( )

11. Orpheus and Eurydice Orpheus Eurydice
The human originator of music and poetry.
Please ignore everything you read of “Orphic” cults.
Eurydice
His new wife.
Dies.
The myth: Orpheus’ trip to Hades to rescue Eurydice.