IphigeniaTauris

Chart and Worksheet for Euripides' Iphigenia at Tauris

by Robin Mitchell-Boyask, Temple University

(Note that the episodes are numbered according to whether odes intervene, not choral dialogues)

Prologue

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Iphigenia explains her family's history, her sacrifice and how Artemis took her to Tauris. She interprets a dream as indicating Orestes' death. Notes Chorus is late! re-enters temple.

Orestes and Pylades explain their mission and Apollo's command. They see evidence of human sacrifice.

Herdsman reports 2 strangers to Iphigenia; how one seemed to fight the Furies. She laments her fathers' actions again. How could Artemis want sacrifice?

Iphigenia interviews Orestes and Pylades. They discuss which will be killed. The other will take a letter to her lost brother. When she recites the letter, the truth emerges. Orestes proves he is Orestes. Conspiracy launched

Thoas questions Iphigenia about the strangers and is horrified at their deeds. He agrees to her plan.

Messenger reports the deception to Thoas, who orders pursuit. Athena appears to order him to stop, also establishing rituals at Athens. Thoas agrees

Parodos

Stasimon 1

Stasimon 2

Stasimon 3

Exodos

Why have you summoned us? Choral dialogue with Iphigenia about her dream and remembrance of her sacrifice

Why would anyone sail here? Would that Helen arrive!

Longing for home. Lamentation at slavery

Apollo is glorious. History of Delphi

Blessed be Athena!

Parts played by first actor:
Parts played by second actor:
Parts played by third actor:

Study Questions

What important departures do you see from Aeschylus' Oresteia?
Is Euripides' version of the result of Orestes' trial more satisfying to you? If so why?
How does this play explore the relation between Greeks and "barbarians"?
Does this play show a different conception of the gods than others we've read?
How do the characters feel about their parents?
Does this play justify more Clytemnestra's behavior?
Why, of all possible gods, is Athena the one to close the action?

Class directory | Temple Classics | Perseus

Prologue	Episode 1	Episode 2	Episode 3	Episode 4	Episode 5
Iphigenia explains her family's history, her sacrifice and how Artemis took her to Tauris. She interprets a dream as indicating Orestes' death. Notes Chorus is late! re-enters temple.	Orestes and Pylades explain their mission and Apollo's command. They see evidence of human sacrifice.	Herdsman reports 2 strangers to Iphigenia; how one seemed to fight the Furies. She laments her fathers' actions again. How could Artemis want sacrifice?	Iphigenia interviews Orestes and Pylades. They discuss which will be killed. The other will take a letter to her lost brother. When she recites the letter, the truth emerges. Orestes proves he is Orestes. Conspiracy launched	Thoas questions Iphigenia about the strangers and is horrified at their deeds. He agrees to her plan.	Messenger reports the deception to Thoas, who orders pursuit. Athena appears to order him to stop, also establishing rituals at Athens. Thoas agrees
	Parodos	Stasimon 1	Stasimon 2	Stasimon 3	Exodos
	Why have you summoned us? Choral dialogue with Iphigenia about her dream and remembrance of her sacrifice	Why would anyone sail here? Would that Helen arrive!	Longing for home. Lamentation at slavery	Apollo is glorious. History of Delphi	Blessed be Athena!