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Electra | Study Guide

Sophocles

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Electra | Infographic

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about Sophocles's Electra. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

electra-sophoclesMAIN CHARACTERSSophoclesc. 410 BCEAncient GreekPlayAuthorFirst PerformedOriginal LanguageTragedyElectraSISTERBROTHERoe for the house forsaken of friends and filled with murderers!Clytemnestra, Stasimon 5Caught in a Cycle of RevengeMOTHERFATHERCopyright © 2016 Course Hero, Inc.Sources: Ancient History Encyclopedia, Antigone, Oedipus the King and Electra translated by H. D. F. Kitto, A Companion to Sophocles by Kirk Ormand, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Sophocles Electra: A New Translation and Commentary by Eric Dugdale, The Electra Plays edited by Peter MeineckIphigeniaKilled by Agamemnon as a sacrifice to the goddess ArtemisOrestesReturns to avenge his father AegisthusClytemnestra’s lover; killed by Orestes AgamemnonKing of Argos; killed by his wife for Iphigenia’s deathClytemnestraQueen of Argos; killed by Orestes for Agamemnon’s deathThemesRevengeJusticeDutyObligation to family is paramount—unless it conflicts with duty to the gods.True justice is bound to duty and honor—and is not always easy.A cycle of vengeance can dominate and destroy lives.MotifsTears, wailing, and symbolic gestures of mourning abound. DeceptionPeople are not always what they appear and do not always speak the truth.RevengeAgamemnon's bloodline has been tainted for generations, leading to many bloody deeds.MourningYears after Agamemnon is murdered by his wife, his daughter Electra is still grieving his loss. The lust for vengeance takes center stage as Electra demonstrates her allegiance to her father's memory and to her brother Orestes, who returns to bring their mother to justice.AuthorSOPHOCLESc. 496–406 BCEOne of the most recognized of ancient Greek tragedians, Sophocles was an innovative playwright. He was the first to use sets in Greek theater and to use props symbolically, including the funeral urn with which Orestes tests Electra's loyalty in Electra—one of just seven of Sophocles's roughly 120 plays to survive.Electraby the Numbers53931909Ancient Greek tragedies about ElectraChildren born to Agamemnon and ClytemnestraPercentage of lines for which Electra is present onstageYear composer Richard Strauss's opera Elektra was first performedElectraIntent on avenging her father
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