The Electras: Sophocles and Euripides

Both Electra plays have similarities and differences, however, I think one of the most important comparisons to think about is the psychological presentation of Electra in both plays.

In Euripides' version it begins with a conversation between Electra and her husband. This conversation essentially highlights the important narrative and contextual background of the murder of Agamemnon and the consequent events. This narrative of events contrasts with Electra's appearance and speech. For example, Electra's husband, the farmer, begins his speech with natural and pastoral imagery such as "O ancient land of Argos where the waters of the river Inachus flow" (81). This natural imagery contrasts with Electra's speech with her repetitive dark language and imagery, "Night, black night...night" (82). Furthermore, I think its additionally interesting that Electra refers to her mother as "devilish" (82) thereby self-isolating and separating herself from her mother and her mother's actions.

In contrast to Euripides' version, Sophocles' version begins with a few speeches focused on Orestes as illustrated by the tutor (sometimes known as the Paedagogus) who sets the scene about Orestes' circumstances after the murder. However, this almost-mundane narrative contrasts to the interruption that occurs of Electra's lamentations. I think Electra's lamentations are significant as its not just lamentation she expresses, but it is importantly self-lamentation as exhibited by the personal pronoun "me" in "Ah me! Ah me!" (105).

Additionally, Electra's first speech is characterized with a binary opposite of light and dark imagery. For example, "thou holy light" contrasts with "shadowy night" (105) and I think this immediate description of binary opposites is significant in attempting to highlight the divergence from the natural order by her mother's action of murdering her father. Consequently, it can be concluded Electra's psychological state is unstable as depicted by her repetitive lamentations attributed to her family members who defy and destabilize the natural order.

Works Cited

Euripides. Medea and Other Plays. Translated by James Morword. Oxford World's Classics, 2008.

Sophocles. Antigone, Oedipus the King and Electra. Translated by H.D.F.Kitto. Oxford World's Classics, 1994.