Clytemnestra’s Ghost Writes to Hades
In-class writing assignment: May 7, 2015, 1:00-3:00 PM.
BRING BLUE BOOK
.
A. Re-read Aeschylus’ Oresteia
B. Imagine that you are the ghost of Clytemnestra. Orestes has just won acquittal at Athens, and you write a letter to Hades, the Lord of the Underworld on what has happened.
PLEASE BE EFFICIENT IN YOUR WRITING. BE BRIEF AND CONCISE.
Begin your letter by asking how Hades’ wife is doing; be sure to mention her by name.
- Tell Hades what happened in your family before your husband went to Troy, and how you learned of the Greek victory there. What was your reaction to the news?
- Tell him about the welcome you gave to your husband when he returned from the Trojan War. How did you feel when your husband died?
- Tell Hades how you were murdered, and why your son went to Delphi and to Athens.
- What was your interaction with the Furies at Delphi?
- Summarize briefly the arguments on both sides in Orestes’ trial at Athens, the verdict, and what happened after the trial. How do you feel now that the trial in Athens is over?
- What are your hopes for the future?
C. In your letter, be sure to include appropriate references to the following:
Iphigeneia
Your Dream
Agamemnon
Orestes
Electra
Aegisthus
The Furies
Athena
Apollo
Delphi
Athens
Argos
Cassandra
Recent Comments