The Eumenides 'By Aeschylus' Oresteia

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In Oresteia, a series of plays by Aeschylus, the relationship between the old and new is portrayed. The plot of “The Eumenides” revolves around the conflict of how Orestes should be judged on his action of killing his mother. The Furies represent the older generation of Gods, who want Orestes convicted and punished for breaking the sacred tie between his mother and himself, a blood bond. Apollo, a young God, wants Orestes to be free, stating that Orestes action were justified because his mother killed his father, breaking a promise bond. This is a parallel conflict as both sides are right within their own accords, but have opposite end results. The jury, representing 12 of the wisest people of the city and Athena, therefore, are not only able…show more content…
Athena embodies this transition as she is the one to invite the Furies to come to the city after Apollo and Orestes already leave with their victory. She states “You are the oldest gods. / You shall not complain / That younger gods banished you. / Discredited and homeless, from this land. / Listen to persuasion, the sacred balm. / That heals self-wounding anger” (191). Athena is restating the Furies’ age, but, for the first time, in a way that complements the wisdom that had come with their seniority. A backhanded compliment, she right away expresses the inevitable truth of their loss against the young gods, specifically against Apollo and the outcome for Orestes, but offers them a compromise. Athena will make the people of Athens look up to and fear the Furies, as long as they choose to stay in the cavern she assigns them. In this deal, the Furies are able to be incorporated into new society and the new rules the young gods, Apollo and Athena, have helped set up, while the new Gods don’t have to fear vengeance from the old gods. Their rule, however, is extremely limiting as they are forced into cave from their strong place under Earth. Old culture is obligated to assimilate into new culture so that aspect that still benefit and hold up society can be

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