Topic: What is the function of the chorus in the Orestia?
The Orestia, by Aeschylus is basically comprised of three plays: Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers and The Eumenides. In each play of the Oresteia, the Chorus, consisted of different members, plays a different role depending on its capability and its intention that is applied in the given situation. In addition, the reaction of Chorus in each play differs in the carrying out of the justice, although all they sense the need for justice. In the Agamemnon, Chorus is the old men of Argos and they serve as advisor to Queen Clytemnestra during Agamemnon’s absence. Unlike the Chorus in the two other plays, The Libation Bearers and The Eumenides, the Chorus of old men relatively shows the passive characteristic throughout the play. Mostly, the Chorus fills in the background information by telling what had happened prior to now, and also tells what has led up to the current situation. Then, the Chorus’ speeches would forebode the upcoming event. For example, in the beginning of the play, they tell the story of how the Trojan Prince Paris stole Helen, the wife of the Greek King Menelaus, leading to ten years war between Greece and Troy. This story, then, reminds them of how Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter, Iphigenia, to the god, Artemis to obtain a favorable wind on the way to Troy. Informing the reader about the sacrifice of Iphigenia, the Chorus foreshadows the future, which would be murder of Agamemnon by Clytemnestra who tries to revenge for her daughter. Their words to foretell the following events continues when they describes the inflated human pride as fatal by saying, “But Pride aging is made in men’s dark actions ripe with the young pride late or soon when the dawn of destiny comes and birth is given to the spirit, none may fight nor beat down, sinful Daring; and in those halls the black visaged Disasters stamped in the likeness of their father” (763-71). As Agamemnon reveals the hubris, pride, walking...