A seminal work of literature
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The Oresteia is not just a seminal work of European literature but also one of the founding texts of western theatre. The only complete trilogy still extant from Classical Athens, it tells the story of Agamemnon's return from Troy and his murder by his unfaithful wife Clytemnestra. The 2nd play takes place years later when Agamemnon's children, Electra and Orestes, have to struggle with their consciences over whether to revenge their father by killing their mother. The third plays brings the trilogy to a conclusion as Orestes, pursued by the Furies for the crime of matricide, is brought to Athens and finally purified of his crime.
Dark, grim, compelling and poetic, this really will haunt you.
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Takes work, but is well worth it
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Reading plays is never easy, particularly ancient ones with such a very different style to something like George Bernard Shaw. If you can get into it then it is well worth it and you will really be hanging on to the edge of your seat by the third part, but you need to be patient and I highly recommend at least some background knowledge so you know the reference points. Overall very good and well worth reading.
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