Are The Greeks 'Cruelty In Aeschylus' The Oresteia

The ethos of ancient Greeks was an immense level of cruelty. As portrayed in Aeschylus’ The Oresteia, the Greeks were inherently cruel to others for their personal gain. Consecutive murders, harsh wars, and disregard of familial bonds were common actions for the Greeks. The Greeks cruelty towards others is unique to their culture and time. The respect, fear, and power that typically result from cruel actions were greatly desired by the Greeks. The Greeks were intrinsically cruel to assert their dominance over others and to prove their authority. Although all cultures practice aspects of brutality, the Greeks were unique in that they did so out of a deep desire for supremacy and vengeance.
Before The Oresteia trilogy, The Judgement of Paris …show more content…
Knowing what Agamemnon did to their daughter Iphigeneia, Clytaemnestra is filled with vengeance as she waits. She states: “He sacrificed his own child, our daughter, the agony I labored into love,” (p.162). After realizing Agamemnon brought along a female gift of war, Cassandra, Clytaemnestra is filled with even greater rage. She states: “He flooded the vessels of our proud house with misery,” (p. 161). Feeling powerless and neglected, Clytaemnestra plots a double murder against Agamemnon and Cassandra. Clytaemnestra’s feelings of betrayal overshadowed all rational thought; instead of forgiving Agamemnon or acting sensibly, Clytaemnestra inherently turns to acts of cruelty, typical of Greek culture. While other cultures may feel remorse over such an act, members of the Greek culture feel justice and reassurance over their actions. After murdering Agamemnon and Cassandra, Clytaemnestra states to the chorus: “Rejoice, if you can rejoice – I glory. And if I’d pour upon his body the libation it deserves, what wine could match my words? It is right and more than right.” (p. 161). Clytaemnestra is proud and satisfied with her cruel actions. Later in the play, it is revealed that Clytaemnestra did not act alone; Agamemnon’s cousin Aegisthus encouraged her to perform the atrocity. Aegisthus also does not feel any remorse over the murder of his kin. He states: “O what a brilliant day it is for vengeance! Now I can …show more content…
Orestes must attend trial in Athens for his murderous acts. Although he was once confident in his actions, he is apprehensive as he faces reprimand for his legal injustices. Orestes claims Apollo, a god, and the Furies, goddesses of vengeance, encouraged him to commit such atrocities. Orestes is eventually acquitted for his actions; this is the only instance in the trilogy when cruelty is not met with more cruelty. The importance of Athenian law overruled the natural Greek desire for vengeance and