Department of Greek and Roman Classics at Temple University

Discover Classics

Structural Chart and Worksheet for Aeschylus' Furies (Eumenides)

by Robin Mitchell-Boyask, Temple University

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

Images and themes transformed from first two plays:
Unusual entrances and exits:

Study questions

Who are the Furies?
Are their claims unreasonable?
Why haven't Apollo's purges of Orestes worked?
What do the Furies have in common with Athena?
How are the problems of gender conflict resolved (if at all) here?
Is the jury vote a tie or an actual conviction? (read closely)
Is Apollo persuasive? Would a Greek have agreed?
Do you find the ending acceptable?
Is matricide justified?

Prologue	Episode 1.a	Episode 1.b	Episode 2	Episode 3	Episode 4
The Pythia describes the origins of Delphi, enters the Temple, but exits quickly, having discovered the Furies. She exits the stage.Apollo promises protection to Orestes; both depart. The ghost of Clytemnestra rouses the Furies.	Apollo attacks Furies. They debate Orestes' acts. They agree to take the dispute to Athena. All exit	Scene changes in mid-episode to Athens.Orestes takes suppliancy at Athena's statue.	Orestesjustifies himself and begs for Athena's protection	Athena arrives from Troy, questions the Furies and Orestes. They consent to trial. First jury is established.	Athena questions Apollo and Orestes.Apollo claims only father is a parent, citing Athena's birth story.Orestes is acquitted and departs. The Furies threaten Athens, but Athena persuades them to accept new role there.
Parodos		Second Parodos	Stasimon 1	Stasimon 2	Exodos
Hunt the mother-killer. New gods are unjust		He must not escape. He must be punished.	Binding song. We must protect our birthright	Escape will bring anarchy. "Take the middle way.. Respect Justice"	We accept our role, let Athens thrive.