Libation Bearers Chart

Chart and Work Sheet for Aeschylus' Libation Bearers

by Robin Mitchell-Boyask, Temple University

Prologue

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Orestes and Pylades address Agamemnon's tomb

Electra questions chorus about libations. Prayers for avenger. Finds signs of Orestes' presence. He (and Pylades) appears, tells of Apollo's commands

Electra and Orestes plan their revenge. Snake dream of Clytemnestra

Orestes, in disguise tells Clytemnestra he is dead. She mourns, but welcomes him into house. Cilissa tells of Orestes as baby

Aegisthus curious about stranger, enters house, then servant explains murder to Clytemnestra. Orestes enters as himself and they debate the justice of her death. Pylades reminds Orestes of Apollo and he leads her inside

Orestes denounces his victims, justifies self. Further explains Apollo's command. Flees stage in terror, having seen Furies

Parodos

kommos

Stasimon 1

Stasimon 2

Stasimon 3

Exodos

Mourning for Agamemnon. Why, after seven years?

Electra, Orestes and chorus pray to Agamemnon's spirit for assistance.

Litany of female monsters and killers. Clytemnestra worse than all

Prayers for justice to Olympian gods. Orestes as Perseus, slaying Medusa

Justice has come. Stealth victorious

The third disaster. When will it end?

Parts played by first actor:
Parts played by second actor:
Parts played by third actor:
(Episode 3 is tricky to stage, in this light)

Important images and themes:

Images, actions and scenes parallel to Agamemnon (very important!!)

Study questions:

Are the children's prayers to their father successful?

Does Orestes really realize what he is getting himself into?

Is Orestes' revenge against Clytemnestra any different than the previous two stages of this cycle?

Is Clytemnestra different than in the previous play?

What is the function of making Orestes' Nurse a speaking character?

How do you account for Apollo's role here and his treatment of Orestes?

Drama directory | Temple Classics | Perseus

Prologue	Episode 1	Episode 2	Episode 2	Episode 3	Episode 4
Orestes and Pylades address Agamemnon's tomb	Electra questions chorus about libations. Prayers for avenger. Finds signs of Orestes' presence. He (and Pylades) appears, tells of Apollo's commands	Electra and Orestes plan their revenge. Snake dream of Clytemnestra	Orestes, in disguise tells Clytemnestra he is dead. She mourns, but welcomes him into house. Cilissa tells of Orestes as baby	Aegisthus curious about stranger, enters house, then servant explains murder to Clytemnestra. Orestes enters as himself and they debate the justice of her death. Pylades reminds Orestes of Apollo and he leads her inside	Orestes denounces his victims, justifies self. Further explains Apollo's command. Flees stage in terror, having seen Furies
Parodos	kommos	Stasimon 1	Stasimon 2	Stasimon 3	Exodos
Mourning for Agamemnon. Why, after seven years?	Electra, Orestes and chorus pray to Agamemnon's spirit for assistance.	Litany of female monsters and killers. Clytemnestra worse than all	Prayers for justice to Olympian gods. Orestes as Perseus, slaying Medusa	Justice has come. Stealth victorious	The third disaster. When will it end?