Electra

Electra quickly introduces the power of speech in constructing narratives. Both Paedagogus and Orestes assume different identities using words alone, both pretending to be from the house of Phanoteus. Furthermore, Orestes is to fabricate his own death with words—or rather, Paedagogus is to relay Orestes’s death, with the prince himself planning to bring fake ashes as evidence. Orestes says, “I know of shrewd men / who die a false death / so as to come home / all the more valued. / Yes, I am sure: / I will stand clear of this lie / and break on my enemies like a star” (87-93). Words will allow Orestes to reclaim his true identity when the time is right, so as to take his enemies by surprise. Yet, Paedagogus and Orestes’s manipulation of storytelling is coupled with a heightened understanding of this power and its limits. Throughout the play, Paedagogus urges Orestes to cease talking and take action. He states, “That is the way to win: action” (114). Paedagogus understands that when characters are given the chance to speak, it is possible that they, too, may lie and manipulate. Thus, in refusing others a voice, they retain the upper hand in enacting revenge. In other words, they remain in control of the narrative. The power of words will continue to shape the progression of the play.

The titular Electra is introduced lamenting her father, the late King Agamemnon. She is portrayed as stubborn and guided by a strict moral compass which prevents her from reconciling with her father’s death. She proclaims, “Never / will I leave off lamenting (138-139). Characterized by the Chorus as needlessly suffering, Electra’s refusal to assimilate to life without her father and brother represents a desire to reestablish order in a world where the natural balance has been disrupted. Therefore, Electra begins to embody traits of classic Greek heroines, as she has no concept of authority and believes action must be taken. Electra compares herself to Niobe, a mother who lost her children to the gods and was turned to stone so as to mourn forever. Because her father’s death has yet to be avenged, Electra is trapped in a cycle of grief until justice is enacted. She argues that ignoring wrongdoings defies human instinct—with her outright defiance and refusal to accept the loss being her own form of rebellion.