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Aeschylus Essay

Write on a major theme, idea, or character in the Oresteia by Aeschylus.  discuss the character of Orestes, Clytemnestra, the Furies, Apollo, Agamemnon, or another in the plays.

consider the idea of justice, the role of women, the danger of cycles of violence, or another topic. You do not have to discuss each play in detail, but your paper should reference other plays of the Oresteia as they relate to your topic, if not detailed specifics of each work.

Be sure your thesis makes a clear and focused argument.

• Problem thesis: The Oresteia is about justice as it appears in the family of Agamemnon.

• Problem thesis: In the Oresteia, Clytemnestra, Orestes, the Furies, and Apollo are all agents of justice.

• Better thesis: The Furies embody an older system of justice rooted in revenge and bloodshed that had to be placated and integrated in society in order for a new system of justice to be established.

• Better thesis: While Clytemnestra violates the laws of society and the bonds of her marriage, Aeschylus creates sympathy for her in his audience, and by doing so, he demonstrates the complicated nature of justice.