Orestes

Name: Orestes
Author: Euripides

By Euripides

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About This Book

A tragic drama that follows a young man who, urged by an oracle, has killed his mother and now suffers fevered guilt and pursuit by avenging spirits while confined and ill. His sister and a loyal companion shelter him amid public hostility and the return of other household figures whose presence threatens exposure and retribution. The action alternates intimate scenes of mourning and accusation with chorus reflections, legal and moral argument, and a public decision over the accused, probing tensions between familial duty, divine command, civic law, and the psychological cost of vengeance.

About the Author

Euripides

Euripides was a prominent ancient Greek playwright, known for his innovative approach to tragedy and his exploration of complex human emotions. Active during the 5th century BCE, he is credited with introducing strong female characters and challenging traditional societal norms in his works. His notable plays include "Medea," which delves into themes of revenge and betrayal, and "The Bacchae," which examines the duality of human nature and the consequences of unchecked passion. Euripides' contributions to literature have had a lasting impact on drama and continue to resonate in contemporary storytelling.