This study guide was prepared by the students of John Marshall HighSchool’s Gifted, Highly Gifted, High Ability Magnet during the fall of2003 and is part of an ongoing effort; comments, questions, orsuggestions are welcome at Online Literature Study, JMHS Magnet,Silverlake, California, 90027.

ElectraCell #1 Scene #1

Quote: “Though all went well with Agamemnon in Troy, yet hewas slain in his own palace by the guile of his wife Clytemnestra andthe hand of Aegisthus, son of Thyestes. So he died and left behindhim the ancient sceptre of Tantalus, and Aegisthus reigns in his stead,with the daughter of Tyndareus, Agamemnon’s queen, to wife.”–Thepeasant

Summary: Agamemnon was slain by Aegisthus, after whichmurder Aegisthus took over.

Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word sceptremost closely means:

A) A doll of violenceB) An animal of slothC) A royal rod of stateD) A gun of flowers

Reading Comprehension Question: Who was killed?

Agamemnon

Discussion Question: Do you think Clytemnestra is happy orsad about Agamemnon’s death?

Cell #2 Scene #1

Quote: “The maid Electra (Agamemnon’s daughter) abode in herfather’s house, and soon as she had budded into maidenhood, came allthe princes of Hellas asking her hand in marriage. But Aegisthus kepther at home for fear she might bear a son to some chieftain who wouldavenge Agamemnon.”

Summary: Aegisthus wouldn’t let Electra marry anybody because hewas afraid that if she had a son, Electra would tell him to kill Aegisthusfor revenge for Agamemnon.

Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word chieftain mostclosely means:

A) A cowardB) A leaderC) A followerD) A servant

Reading Comprehension Question: Why wouldn’t Aegisthus letElectra marry anybody?

Discussion Question: If Electra did have a son, would you think thatshe would tell her son to kill Aegisthus?

Aegisthus ElectraYou can’t marryanyone.

Cell #3 Scene #1

Quote: “O sable night, nurse of the golden stars! Beneath thy pall I goto fetch water from the brook with my pitcher poised upon my head,not indeed because I am forced to this necessity, but that to the godsI may display the affronts Aegisthus puts upon me, and to the widefirmament pour out my lamentation for my sire.” –Electra

Summary: Electra is sad and depressed.

Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word firmament mostclosely means:

A) The groundB) The houseC) The skyD) The water

Reading Comprehension Question: What did Electra have poisedupon her head?

Discussion Question: Would you ever think that Electra wouldcommit suicide because of this situation?

Cell #4 Scene #1

Quote: “Oh! Why poor maiden, dost thou toil so hard on mybehalf, thou that aforetime wert reared so daintily? Why canst thounot forego thy labour, as I bid thee?

Summary: The peasant feels sorry for his wife and wonderswhy she is working so hard.

Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word toil mostclosely means:

A) Work hardB) Lounge lazilyC) Sleep dreamilyD) Joke foolishly

Reading Comprehension Question: What does the peasanttell Electra that she is doing too hard?

Discussion Question: What do you think that the peasant willdo for Electra?Why is Electra working so hard?Why does the Peasant care how Electra works?

The Peasant

Cell #5 Scene #1

Quote: “If such thy pleasure, go thy way; for, after all, the spring isno great distance from my house. And at break of day I will drive mysteers to my glebe and sow my crop. For no idler, though he has thegods’ names ever on his lips, can gather a livelihood without hardwork.” –Peasant of Mycenae

Summary: He is telling her that he is going to work.

Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word glebe mostclosely means:

A) Land belonging to a parish church or ecclesiastical regionB) A ship of state that ships to other statesC) An ancient skyscraper of OzymandiusD) An ocean of toil mired in grief

Reading Comprehension Question: What did the Peasant tellElectra to do?

Discussion question: Should Electra continue working to assuage hergrief?

Peasant Electra

Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherousparamour.”

Cell I

“Though all went well with him in Troy, yet was he slain in his ownpalace by the guile of his wife.”

Clytemnestra and Aegisthus killed King Agamemnon. They became thenew rulers of Agamemnon’s state Mycenae.

Who killed King Agamemnon?

In the quote above, the word guile most closely meansa. Enjoymentb. Craftinessc. Miseryd. Anger

Why do you think Clytemnestra and Aegisthus killed KingAgamemnon?

Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherousparamour.”Cell II

“Now as for those whom he left in his halls, when he sailed to Troy, hisson Orestes and his tender daughter Electra, -the boy Orestes, as hewas like to be slain by Aegisthus, his sire’s old foster-father secretlyremoved to the land of Phocis and gave to Strophius to bring up, butthe maid Electra abode in her father’s house, and soon as she hadbudded into maidenhood, came all the princes of Hellas asking herhand in marriage.”

Electra was brought up in her father’s house so she had to live withthem. Agamemnon sent Orestes to Strophius before he died which iswhere Orestes was raised. When Electra got older, many princes cameto ask for her hand in marriage, but Aegisthus prohibited her fromseeing anyone. He chose a peasant for her to live with.

Did Aegisthus allow Electra to meet the princes?

In the quote above, abode most closely meansa. Residedb. Arguedc. Surprisedd. Spoke controversially

Do you think that Electra enjoys being near Clytemnestra andAegisthus?Will the plan of marrying Electra off to a peasant work to get rid ofher?

Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherousparamour.”Cell III

“O sable night, nurse of the golden stars! Beneath thy pall I go to fetchwater from the brook with my pitcher poised upon my head, notindeed because I am forced to this necessity, but that to the gods Imay display the affronts Aegisthus puts upon me, and to the widefirmament pour out my lamentation for my sire”

Electra is carrying a pitcher of water on her head because Aegisthustold her so. She complains about her workload and tells the peasant ifthey can share the work.

Why was Electra carrying a pitcher of water?

In the quote above, affronts most closely meansa. Loving kindnessesb. Despairing criesc. Stylish patternsd. Insults

Do you think that the peasant will share the work with Electra?

Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherousparamour.”Cell IV

“Ah Pylades, I put thee first ‘mongst men for thy love, thy loyalty andfriendliness to me; for thou alone of all my friends wouldst still honourpoor Orestes, in spite of the grievous plight whereto I am reduced byAegisthus, who with my accursed mother’s aid slew my sire.”

Orestes and his friend Pylades arrive at Electra’s hut. They hope tofind her soon so that Orestes can meet her.

Why does Orestes want to find Electra?

In the quote above, the word plight most closely meansa. Joyb. Situationc. Troubled. Fulfillment

What do you think Aegisthus will do when he finds out that Orestes isabout to find Electra?If Aegisthus plans to kill Orestes, how will he get rid of the body?

Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherousparamour.”Cell V

“Take this pitcher from my head, put it down, that I may wakebetimes, while it is yet night, my lamentation for my sire, my dolefulchant, my dirge of death, for thee, my father in thy grave, which dayby day I do rehearse, rending my skin with my nails, and smiting onmy shaven head in mourning for thy death.”

Orestes sees Electra and they meet. Electra tells him that she is madbecause he didn’t take her with him. She also complains about thedeath of her father.

Why was Electra mad?

In the quote above, the word doleful most closely meansa. Painfully Sadb. Bitterly Angryc. Smilingly Cheerfuld. Lovingly rude

What do you think Orestes will say to Electra?What purpose would Electra’s shaving her head or scratching her faceserve?

Electra: Cell 1

Quote: “O Electra, daughter of Agamemnon, to thy rustic cot I come,for a messenger hath arrived, a higher from Mycenae, one who liveson milk, announcing that the Argives are proclaiming a sacrifice for thethird day from now, and all our maidens are to go to Hera’s temple.”

Summary: The chorus (country women) is telling Electra that all theirmaidens must go to Hera’s temple. They are delivering thisannouncement from a messenger.

Reading Comprehension Question: Who must go to Hera’s temple?

Vocab: In the quote above, the word rustic most nearly describessomething belonging to…a) a simple country personb) an angry city personc) an unhappy cave-dwelling persond) a beautiful undersea person

Discussion Question: Will Electra go to Hera’s temple?Will Orestes restore Electra to the luxurious life of a princess or furtherdrag her down into worse misery?

Electra: Cell 2

Quote: “Kind friends, my heart is not set on festivity, nor do necklacesof gold cause any flutter in my sorrowing bosom, nor will I stand upwith the maidens of Argos to beat my foot in the mazy dance. Tearshave been my meat day and night; ah misery! See my unkempt hair,my tattered dress; are they fit for a princess, a daughter ofAgamemnon, or of Troy which once thought of my father as itscaptor?”

Summary: Electra is not happy, but cries and tears her hair andclothes out of grief over her father’s murder.

Reading Comprehension Question: Why is Electra unhappy?

Vocab: In the quote above, the word tattered most nearlymeans_____.a) dyed and squeezedb) long and prettyc) ripped and tornd) washed and pressed

Discussion Question: What would most daughters think of theirfather’s difficulties?Which of Agamemnon’s children will press most strenuously forrevenge—will the young man and young woman develop differentplans or similar?

Electra: Cell 3

Quote: “Mighty is the goddess; so come, and borrow of me broideredrobes for apparel and jewels of gold that add a further grace tobeauty’s charms. Dost think to triumph o’er thy foes by tears, if thouhonour not the gods? ‘Tis not by lamentation but by pious prayers toheaved that thou, my daughter, wilt make fortune smile on thee.”

Summary: The chorus women are trying to cheer up Electra after herfather’s death.

Reading Comprehension Question: Who is trying to cheer upElectra?

Vocab: In the quote above, the word pious most nearly means_____.a) strongb) a lot ofc) usefuld) devout

Discussion Question: Will Electra listen to the chorus?Will prayers help Agamemnon?

Electra: Cell 4

Quote: “No god hearkens to the voice of lost Electra, or heeds thesacrifices offered by my father long ago. Ah woe for the dead! Woe forthe living wanderer, who dwelleth in some foreign land, an outcast andvagabond at a menial board, sprung though he is of a famous sire!Myself, to, in a poor man’s hut do dwell, wasting my soul with grief, anexile from my father’s halls, here by the scarred hill-side; while mymother is wedded to a new husband in a marriage stained by blood.”

Summary: Electra is thinking about her father’s murder, and how hermother is off marrying another man.

Reading Comprehension Question: What is Electra’s mother doing?

Vocab: In the quote above, the word hearkens most nearlymeans_____.a) believes stronglyb) listens carefullyc) trusts intentlyd) receives pushily

Discussion Question: Why did Electra mention that her mother’smarriage is stained with blood?Invent another metaphor to describe Clytemnestra and Aegisthus’marriage.

Electra: Cell 5

Quote: “I too am stirred by the same desires as the stranger. Fordwelling so far from the city I know nothing of its ills, and I should liketo hear about them now myself.”

Summary: The leader of the chorus wants to learn more about the faraway city.

Reading Comprehension Question: From what is the leader faraway?

Vocab: In the quote above, the word dwelling means______.a) knowing about a placeb) visiting a prisonc) living somewhered) looking for a pie

Discussion Question: Will the leader learn about this city?Why don’t people outside Mycenae know of Agamemnon’s murder?

Electra/ Scene assignment E3

Cell 1-Peasant Enters

"Ha! who are these strangers I see at my door? And why are theycome hither to my rustic gate? can they want my help? for 'tisunseemly for a woman to stand talking with young men."

The Peasant sees strangers talking to Electra and calls such behaviorinappropriate.

Why does the Peasant have any opinion about Electra's behavior?

In the quote above, the word rustic most nearly meansa. rural, coarseb. sophisticated, elegantc. intellectual, cleverd. strong, brave

What might the strangers say to change the Peasant’s opinion ofthem?Why is the Peasant unhappy to see his wife chatting with a team ofyoung men at his door?

Cell 2- The conversation

“ELECTRADear husband, be not suspicious of me. For thou shalt hear the truth;these strangers have come to bring me news of Orestes. Good sirs,pardon him those words.

PEASANTWhat say they? is that hero yet alive and in the light of day?

ELECTRAHe is; at least they say so, and I believe them.

PEASANTSurely then he hath some memory of his father and thy wrongs?

ELECTRAThese are things to hope for; a man in exile is helpless.

PEASANTWhat message have they brought from Orestes?

ELECTRAHe sent them to spy out my evil case.

PEASANT

Well, they only see a part of it, though maybe thou art telling them therest.

ELECTRAThey know all; there is nothing further they need ask.”

Electra tells her husband not to be suspicious of her because thestrangers came to tell her news of Orestes, her brother, and asks thestrangers to excuse her husband’s remark. The Peasant then asks ifOrestes is still alive, and Electra replies that he is. After her reply thePeasant asks her if Orestes has any memory of his father and thewrongs done to her. Electra, in reply says that those are things tohope for and that a man who is in exile is helpless. The Peasant thenasks Electra what message they had brought from Orestes. Electrasays that Orestes sent the strangers to see her horrible conditions. ThePeasant then says that they only see part of her condition even thoughshe may be telling them the rest. Electra says that the strangers knoweverything and that they don’t need to ask any more questions.

What role did the strangers play?

“Thus is Orestes flouted behind his back.”In the quote above flouted most closely means

a. admired, respectedb. praised, commendedc. jeered, mockedd. revered, regarded

Do you think that it was right of the Peasant to ask so many questionsabout Orestes?Will the Peasant attack the strangers or invite them in for tastysnacks?

Cell 3- The Welcome

“PEASANTLong ere this then shouldst thou have thrown open our doors to them.Enter, sirs; for in return for your good tidings, shall ye find such cheeras my house affords. Ho! servants, take their baggage within; makeno excuses, for ye are friends sent by one I love; and poor though Iam, yet will I never show meanness in my habits.

ORESTES'Fore heaven! is this the man who is helping thee to frustrate thymarriage, because he will not shame Orestes?

ELECTRAThis is he whom they call my husband, woe is me!”

The Peasant says to Electra that she should have welcomed thestrangers into their home a long time ago. The Peasant welcomes thestrangers into the house and says that in return for their messagesthey shall find as much happiness as the house it can have, and callsthe servants to bring the strangers baggage inside. Orestes asksElectra if the Peasant is the one who is respecting her because hedoesn’t want to shame the family name. Electra replies that he is theman that they call her husband.

What does the peasant say that Electra should have done?

“To martial prowess should I turn?”In the quote above prowess most nearly means

a. respect, valueb. valor, skillc. amateur, dabblerd. adept, artist

Do you think that Electra will be happy that the Peasant thought ofinviting the strangers into their house?

Cell 4- Value of a Man

“ORESTESAh! there is no sure mark to recognize a man's worth; for humannature hath in it an element of confusion. For I have seen ere now theson of noble sire prove himself a worthless knave, and virtuouschildren sprung from evil parents; likewise dearth in a rich man'sspirit, and in a poor man's frame a mighty soul. By what standard thenshall we rightly judge these things? By wealth? An evil test to use. Bypoverty then? Nay, poverty suffers from this, that it teaches a man toplay the villain from necessity. To martial prowess must I turn? Butwho could pronounce who is the valiant man merely from the look ofhis spear? Better is it to leave these matters to themselves withouttroubling. For here is a man of no account in Argos, with no familyreputation to boast, one of the common herd, proved a very hero. Atruce to your folly! ye self-deceivers, swollen with idle fancies; learn tojudge men by their converse, and by their habits decide who arenoble. Such are they who rule aright both states and families; whilethose forms of flesh, devoid of intellect, are but figure-heads in themarket-place. The strong arm, again, no more than the weak awaitsthe battle-shock, for this depends on natural courage. Well! absent orpresent, Agamemnon's son, whose business brings us here, deservesthis of us, so let us accept a lodging in this house.Calling to his servantsHo! sirrahs, go within. A humble host, who does his best, in preferenceto a wealthy man for me! And so I thankfully accept this peasant'sproffered welcome, though I could have preferred that thy brotherwere conducting me to share his fortune in his halls. Maybe he yet will

come; for the oracies of Loxias are sure, but to man's divining"Farewell" say I.”

Orestes basically says that there really isn’t one way to judge a personbecause he’s seen children of good parents go bad and vice versa. Healso says that despite the hardships of poverty the Peasant is still agood man, and he thanks the Peasant for his hospitality.

What does Orestes say?

In the above quote proffered most nearly meansa. extended, presentedb. stained, soiledc. bruised, crushedd. heartened, encouraged

How would you feel if, after being in a royal family and living aluxurious life, you had to agree to stay in a peasant’s home?

Cell 5- Electra complains

“ELECTRAO reckless man, why didst thou welcome strangers like these, so farbeyond thy station, knowing the poverty of thy house?

PEASANTWhy? if they are really as noble as they seem, surely they will beequally content with rich or humble fare.”

Electra scolds the Peasant about why he invited the strangers into thehouse. The Peasant in reply says that if the strangers are as noble asthey look, they would be satisfied in any place they stay.

What does the Peasant say in reply to Electra?

“Electra, I feel a warmer glow of joy suffuse my heart than everheretofore;”In the quote above suffuse most nearly means

a. present, acquaintb. abstract, withdrawc. eject, evictd. steep, fill

Was it right for Electra to attack the Peasant like that for a problemthat wasn’t the Peasant’s fault?

Cell 6- Electra solves her problem

“ELECTRAWell. since thou hast made this error, poor man as thou art, go to myfather's kind old foster-sire; on the bank of the river Tanaus, theboundary 'twixt Argos and the land of Sparta, he tends his flocks, anoutcast from the city; bid him come hither to our house and someprovision for the strangers' entertainment. Glad will he be, and willoffer thanks to heaven to hear that the child, whom once he saved, isyet alive. I shall get nothing from my mother from my ancestral halls;for we should rue our message, were she to learn, unnatural wretch!that Orestes liveth.”

Electra tells the Peasant that since he has made the error of invitingthe strangers into the house he should go to her father’s foster-fatherand invite him to their house since he’ll be glad to hear that Orestes isstill alive. She also warns that if her mother knows that Orestes livesshe would ruin the message.

Who was the Peasant supposed to go to?

“For I have seen ere now the son of noble sire prove himself aworthless knave, and virtuous children sprung from evil parents;”

In the quote above the word knave most nearly meansa. sweetie, loverb. rogue, scoundrelc. idiot, morond. human, dude

If you were in the Peasant’s shoes would you have agreed to Electra’sorder? Why or why not?

Cell 7: Peasant agrees

“PEASANTI will take this message to the old man, if it seem good to thee; butget thee in at once and there make ready. A woman, when shechooses, can find dainties in plenty to garnish a feast. Besides, there isquite enough in the house to satisfy them with food for one day atleast. 'Tis in such cases, when I come to muse thereon, that I discernthe mighty power of wealth, whether to give to strangers, or toexpend in curing the body when it falls sick; but our daily food is asmall matter; for all of us, rich as well as poor, are in like case, assoon as we are satisfied.”

The Peasant agrees to take the message to the old man.

What does the Peasant agree to do?

“…O son of Thetis, was wrought this blazon, a terror to the Phrygians;”

In the quote above blazon most nearly meansa. armorb. virtuec. deathd. dearth

Will Electra and the Peasant forget their argument?

Cell 1- Grecian ships sailing to Troy; page 4

a) “Ye famous ships, that on a day were brought to land at Troy bythose countless oars, what time ye led the Nereids’ dance, wherethe dolphin music-loving rolled and gambolled round your duskyprows, escorting Achilles, nimble son of Thetis, when he wentwith Agamemnon to the banks of Trojan Simois”

b) This scene is when the Greeks arrive at Troy.c) Who is Achilles’ mother?d) In the quote above, the word dusky most closely means

a. Horribleb. shadowyc. see-throughd. light

e) Compare the Greeks to the Trojans

Cell 2- the old man goes to visit Electra; page 5

a) “Where is the young princess, my mistress, Agamemnon'sdaughter, whom I nursed in days gone by? Oh! how steep is theapproach to this house, a hard climb for these old wasted feet ofmine! Still, to reach such friends as these, I must drag my bentold back and tottering knees up it. Ah, daughter! -for I see theenow at thy door, -lo! I have brought this tender lamb from myown flock, having taken it from its dam, with garlands too andcheese straight from the press, and this flask of choice old winewith fragrant bouquet; 'tis small perhaps, but pour a cup thereofinto some weaker drink, and it is a luscious draught. Let someone carry these gifts into the house for the guests; for I wouldfain wipe from my eyes the rising tears on this tattered cloak.”

b) In this scene, the old man goes to visit Electra at her house. Hehas brought her a lamb, a flask of wine, and some cheese.

c) Who is Agamemnon’s daughter?d) In the quote above, the word tattered most closely means

a. old, beat upb. brand newc. shiningd. strong

e) What do you think will happen when the old man greets Electra?

Cell 3- The Old man shows Electra the footprint; page 5

a) “ELECTRA: Old sir, thy words are unworthy of a wise man, ifthou thinkest my own brave brother would have come to thisland by stealth for fear of Aegisthus. In the next place, howshould our hair correspond? His is the hair of a gallant youthtrained up in manly sports, mine a woman's curled and combed;nay, that is a hopeless clue. Besides, thou couldst find many,whose hair is of the same colour, albeit not sprung from thesame blood. No, maybe 'twas some stranger cut off his hair inpity at his tomb, or one that came to spy this land privily. OLDMAN: Put thy foot in the print of his shoe and mark whether itcorrespond with thine, my child.”

b) In this scene, the old man tells Electra to see if the footprintmatches up with her own. He believes that the footprint is thatof Electra’s brother who they haven’t seen since Electra was alittle girl. Electra thinks that the old man is crazy for thinkingthat it is her brother’s footprint.

c) Why would Electra’s brother have any reason to fear Aegisthus?d) In the quote above, the word gallant most closely means

a. distastefulb. dishonourablec. honorabled. tragic

e) Do you think that the Old Man will find Electra’s brother?

Cell 4- The Old Man meets Orestes; page 5

a) “OLD MAN : Well born, it seems, but that may be asham; for there be plenty such prove knaves. Still I givethem greeting. ORESTES : All hail, father! To which ofthy friends, Electra, does this old relic of mortalitybelong? ELECTRA : This is he who nursed my sire, sirstranger. ORESTES : What! do I behold him whoremoved thy brother out of harm's way?”

b) In this scene Orestes comes out of his hut and meetsthe Old man.

c) When Orestes calls the old man “this old relic ofmortality,” what does he mean?

d) In the quote above, the word knaves most closelymeans

a. knivesb. followersc. tradersd. miscreants

e) Was it disrespectful of Orestes to call the old man “thisold relic of mortality”?

Cell 5- The Old Man Finds Electra’s Brother; page 6

a) “Old Man: Behold before thee, my child, thy nearest anddearest. Electra: I have long feared thou wert not in thy soundsenses Old Man: Not in my sound senses, because I see thybrother? Electra: What mean’st thou, aged friend, by theseastounding words? Old Man: That I see Orestes, Agamemnon’sson, before me. Electra: What mark dost see that I can trust?Old Man: A scar along his brow, where he fell and cut himselfone day in his father’s home when chasing a fawn with thee.”

b) In this scene, the Old Man takes a good look at Orestes andrealizes that he is Electra’s brother. When he tells Electra this,she does not believe him.

c) How did the Old Man come to the conclusion that Orestes wasElectra’s long lost brother?

d) In the quote above, the word fawn most closely meansa. a young deerb. a villainc. a squirreld. a young man

e) Do you think that Electra will realize that Orestes is her brother?

Cell 6- Electra realizes Orestes is her brother; page 6

a) Old Man: Dost hesitate then to embrace thy own dearbrother? Electra: No! Not any longer, old friend; for my soul isconvinced by the tokens thou showest. O my brother, thou artcome at last, and I embrace thee, little as ever thought to.Orestes: And thee to my bosom at last I press. Electra: I neverthought that it would happen Orestes: All hope in me was alsodead.b) In this scene, Electra recognizes the scar on Orestes head andrealizes that the Old Man is right, and that Orestes is really herbrother.c) What are the “tokens” that convinced Electra that Orestes isher brother?d) In the quote above, the word embrace most closely means

a. to push awayb. to declinec. to hug, to acceptd. to kill

e) Do you think that Electra and Orestes will now live happily ever after?

Cell 1. Electra

Quote:Electra: Are thou really he?Orestes: Aye thy one and only champion, if I can draw to shore thecast I mean to throw; and I feel sure I shall; else must we cease tobelieve in gods, if wrong is to triumph o’er right.

Summary: Electra is happy to see her brother Orestes—they each hadthought the other dead.

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word cast most nearly means?a. throw a line to catch a fishb. throw some dice to gamblec. buy a crackerd. wash a bloody knife

Reading Comprehension: Why were the siblings happy to see eachother?

Discussion: Compare this reunion to that of Clytemnestra andAgamemnon

Cell 2 Electra

Quote: “My son thou hast no friend now in thy hour of adversity. Nothat is a piece of rare good luck, to find another share thy fortunesalike for better and for worse.”

Summary: Old man is telling Orestes that he will not have any friendsin Argos. Old man says it would be lucky to find a friend who will sharehis riches and stick with him through thick and thin.

Reading Comprehension: What is Old Man telling Orestes; that goodfriends are hard or easy to find?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word adversity most closelymeans?

a. Joyous, silly holidaysb. golden, halcyon timesc. nearing the days of deathd. difficult, troubled times

Discussion: Why do you think Orestes doesn’t have any friends(consider that he is a king’s son)

Cell 3 Electra

“ Are they armed with guards and armed sentinels?”

- Orestes

Summary: Old Man and Orestes are talking about getting revenge onhis father’s murderer. And Old Man is saying that Orestes’ previousidea won’t work out. Orestes asks Old Man if Thyestes’ house hasanother sentinels.

Reading comprehension: Does Old Man think that Orestes idea is well-thought?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word sentinels most nearlymeans?

a. writersb. watchersc. seekersd. eaters

Discussion: Is it right for Old Man to say that Orestes previous ideawas inadequate?

Cell 4. Electra

Quote: Hear me a moment; an idea has just occurred to me”- Old Man

“May thy counsel prove good, and my perception keen.”- Orestes

Summary: Old Man is about to tell Orestes that he has got an idea.Orestes responds, like any good friend and listener, that he is hopingthat Old Man’s idea is okay with him and that Old Man’s idea is a goodone. Orestes is going to listen carefully.

Reading Comprehension: Which person is giving which person a newidea--Orestes or Old Man?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word perception most nearlymeans?

a. hearingb. understandingc. misunderstandingd. vision

Discussion: Would it be wise for Orestes to carry out Old Man’s idea?

Cell 5. Electra

Quote: “ what was he doing? I see a gleam of hope after ourhelplessness.”

- Orestes

Summary: Orestes and Old Man are talking about Aegisthus, and if hewill see Orestes when he carries out Old Man’s plan. Old Man has seenhim and telling Orestes what he has seen. Orestes feels that whateverOld Man will tell him, will help Orestes and his plan.

Reading Comprehension: Why is Orestes feel like he’s finally going toget a break?

Vocabulary: in the quote above, the word gleam most nearly means?a. a glimmerb. a glintc. a tiny shredd. a giant chunky piece

Discussion: Was it right for Orestes to listen to ‘peeping Tom’ OldMan?

Cell 6. Electra

Quote: “Will they support me?”- Orestes

“ Yes, that is the way of slaves, luckily for thee.”- Old Man

“On what pretext can I approach him?”-Orestes

Summary: Orestes is asking Old Man if Aegisthus’ slaves will tellAegisthus about Orestes’ plan. Old Man says that the slaves would notbecause it is a code between slaves.

Reading Comprehension: Will Aegisthus’ slaves expose Orestes? Whynot?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word pretext most nearly means?a. a blown coverb. a false pretencec. a speaking befored. a purpose.

Discussion: What do you think will happen to Orestes if he approachesAegisthus?

Cell 7. Electra

Quote: “So help me god! He shall rue his invitation.” Summary: Orestes is talking about his invitation to Aegisthus’ feast.Orestes is planning to kill Aegisthus and his mother during the visit.Orestes will be invited to Aegisthus’ house because he is preparing fora feast. Old Man tells Orestes that if he Orestes lingers near Aegisthus’house, Orestes would be invited to the feast.

Reading Comprehension: Why will Aegisthus rue his invitation toOrestes?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word rue most nearly means?a. acceptb. retractc. regretd. apologetic

Discussion: Do you think it is all right Orestes to kill his mother? Howabout Aegisthus?

Cell 8. Electra

Quote: From fear of the citizens’ reproach she stayed behind.

Summary: “She” is Clytemnestra and Old Man and Orestes are sayingthat Clytemnestra did not accompany her husband because of fear ofthe citizens’ reproach.

Reading Comprehension: “She” is referring to whom (in the quoteabove)?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word reproach most nearlymeans?a. agree, affirmb. boast, bragc. disagree, refuted. scold, chide

Discussion: Do you think Clytemnestra was a strong woman or weak?

Cell 9. Electra

Quote: “She will come when she hears of my confinement.”

Summary: “She,” again, is referring to Clytemnestra. Now Electra istalking and says that Old Man should tell Clytemnestra that Electra hasgiven birth to a son. Electra is going to do that in order for Orestes tokill his and her mother and their stepfather, Aegisthus.

Reading Comprehension: What did Electra tell Old Man to say toClytemnestra? In order for what to happen?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word confinement most nearlymeans?a. wantonnessb. weaknessc. confidenced. keeping in limits

Discussion: Would Clytemnestra come to her daughter’s aid afterplotting to ruin her life?

Cell 10. Electra

Quote: “Thou too, my father, sent to the lands of shades by wickedhands, and Earth, the queen of all, to whom I spread my suppliantpalms, and champion thy dear children.”

Summary: Orestes is speaking to his father and telling him to rescuehis children as a champion.

Reading Comprehension: Is Orestes talking to his father of Old Man?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word champion most nearlymeans?a. confidently eatb. courageously helpc. fearfully sleepd. growlingly snarl

Discussion: Is it crazy for Orestes to be talking to his deceased father?

Cell 11. Electra Quote: Sure am I he heareth all; but ‘tis time to part. For this causetoo I bid thee strike Aegisthus down, because, if thou fall in thestruggle and perish, I also die; no longer number me amongst theliving, for I will stab myself with a two-edged sword.”

Summary: Electra is telling Orestes that their father can hear them allthe time and that he heard him pray just now. She is also tellingOrestes that the time has come for them to start the plan. If Orestesshould die in the process, so shall she.

Reading Comprehension: Why would Electra consider herself dead?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word perish most nearly means?a. turn into a pearb. turn into a fishc. faintd. dieDiscussion: Should a sister kill herself if her brother died?

Test #5

Cell I

ORESTESAll hope in me was also dead.

ELECTRAArt thou really he?

ORESTESAye, thy one and only champion, if I can but safely draw to shore thecast I mean to throw; and I feel sure I shall; else must we cease tobelieve in gods, if wrong is to triumph o'er right.

SummaryElectra and Orestes are happy to meet because they thought eachother was dead.

Reading ComprehensionWhat is the relationship between Electra and Orestes?

Vocabulary... if I can but safely draw to shore the cast I mean to...In the quote above, the word cast most nearly meansa) throw, as a netb) push, as a ballc) sing, as a prayerd) fall, as down stairs

DiscussionWhat will they do now that they’ve found each other?

Cell II

CHORUS singingAt last, at last appears thy radiant dawn, O happy day! and as beaconto the city hast thou revealed the wanderer, who, long ago, poor boy!was exiled from his father's halls.

OLD MANMy son, thou hast no friend now in thy hour of adversity. No! that is apiece of rare good luck, to find another share thy fortunes alike forbetter and for worse. Thou art of every friend completely reft, all hopeis gone from thee; be sure of what I tell thee; on thy own arm andfortune art thou wholly thrown to win thy father's home and thy city.

ORESTESWhat must I do to compass this result?

OLD MANSlay Thyestes' son and thy mother.

SummaryOrestes has just found out from friend Old Man that he has almost nofriends left, and to be welcome in his father’s home again he must killAegisthus, who is Thyestes’ son, and Clytemnestra, their own mother.

Reading ComprehensionWho is the wanderer who returns after long ago being exiled by hisfather?

Vocabulary...sweet though the rapture of this greeting...In the quote above, the word rapture most nearly meansa) rageb) fervorc) informingd) soothing

DiscussionHow will Orestes kill Thyestes’ son and his own mother?

Cell III

ORESTESWell then, do thou next propose a scheme, old friend.

OLD MANHear me a moment; an idea has just occurred to me.

ORESTESMay thy counsel prove good, and my perception keen!

OLD MANI saw Aegisthus, as I was slowly pacing hither-

ORESTESI welcome thy words. Where was he?

OLD MANNot far from these fields, at his stables.

ORESTESWhat was he doing? I see a gleam of hope after our helplessness.

SummaryOld Man has a plan for Orestes that involves the slaying of Aegisthus,who is at his stables right now.

Reading ComprehensionWho has a plan for Orestes?

VocabularyMay thy counsel prove good, and my perception keen!In the quote above, the word perception most nearly meansa) hairb) memoryc) clothesd) thoughts

DiscussionWhat do you imagine Aegisthus was doing in his stables?

Cell IV

OLD MANAegisthus was preparing to sacrifice oxen.

ORESTESHow many were with him? or was he alone with his servants?

OLD MANOnly a band of his own followers.

ORESTESIs it possible that any of them will recognize me?

OLD MANThey are only servants, and they have never even seen thee.

ORESTESHis estate is close to the road, I suppose.

OLD MANYes, and when he sees thee there, he will invite thee to the feast.

ORESTESSo help me God! He shall rue his invitation.

OLD MANAfter that, form thy own plan according to circumstances.

ELECTRAMine be the preparation of my mother's slaying!

ORESTESWell, as for the other, fortune will favour us.

ELECTRAOur old friend here must help us both.

OLD MANAye, that will I; but what is thy scheme for slaying thy mother?

ELECTRAGo, old man, and tell Clytemnestra from me that I have given birth toa son.

SummaryOrestes is going to try and get invited to Aegisthusís feast, who wascurrently preparing to sacrifice oxen, and after he is invited then hewill decide the plan. Orestesí mother is at Argos, and will go to thefeast. Old Man is to go and tell Clytemnestra that Electra has had ababy boy.

Reading ComprehensionWho is to try and get invited to the feast by Aegisthus?

Vocabulary ...but what is thy scheme for slaying...In the quote above, the word scheme most nearly meansa) type of dogb) name of placec) tricky idead) stinky body part

DiscussionWhy is Old man going to tell Clytemnestra that she had a baby?

Cell V

OLD MANSome time ago, or quite recently?

ELECTRATen days ago, which are the days of my purification.

OLD MANSuppose it done; but how doth this help towards slaying thy mother?

ELECTRAShe will come, when she hears of my confinement.

SummaryElectra thinks that Clytemnestra will come to see her after she hearsabout her “baby” when Old Man goes and tells her.

Reading ComprehensionWho is going to tell Clytemnestra that Electra had a baby?

Vocabulary...when she hears of my confinement...In the quote above, the word confinement meansa) limitless trackb) bordered restrictionc) immeasurable destructiond) free candy, gum, and cookies

DiscussionWhy will Clytemnestra come to Electra when she hears that she had ababy?

Cell VI

ELECTRAFirst of all, old friend, act as my brother's guide.

OLD MANTo the place where Aegisthus is now sacrificing to the gods.

ELECTRA to ORESTESThy work begins at once; thou hast drawn the first lot in the tragedy.

ORESTESI will go, if some one will show me the way.

OLD MANI will myself conduct thee nothing loath.

SummaryOld Man is going to be Orestes’ guide to the place where Aegisthus issacrificing oxen, and then the plan that Orestes, Electra, and Old Manput together will begin to take action.

Reading ComprehensionWho is acting as Orestes’ guide?

Vocabulary...thou hast drawn the first lot...In the quote above, the word drawn most closely meansa) luredb) creptc) pulledd) dragged

DiscussionDo you think that the plan that Orestes, Electra, and Old Man puttogether will succeed?

Cell VII

ORESTESO Zeus, god of my fathers, vanquisher of my foes, have pity on us, fora piteous lot has ours been.

ELECTRAOh! have pity on thy own descendants.

ORESTESO Hera, mistress of Mycenae's altars, grant us the victory, if we areasking what is right.

ELECTRAYes, grant us vengeance on them for our father's death.

SummaryOrestes is praying to ask the gods to let them kill Aegisthus andClytemnestra because they want justice.

Reading ComprehensionWho wants to be granted victory if what they are doing is right?

Vocabulary...vanquisher of my foes...In the quote above, the word vanquisher most nearly meansa) slayerb) helperc) hairdresserd) teacher

DiscussionWill the gods answer Orestes’ prayers?

Cell VIII

ORESTESThou too, my father, sent to the land of shades by wicked hands, andEarth, the queen of all, to whom I spread my suppliant palms, up andchampion thy dear children. Come with all the dead to aid, all theywho helped thee break the Phrygians' power, and all who hate ungodlycrime. Dost hear me, father, victim of my mother's rage?

ELECTRASure am I he heareth all; but 'tis time to part. For this cause too I bidthee strike Aegisthus down, because, if thou fall in the struggle andperish, I also die; no longer number me amongst the living; for I willstab myself with a two-edged sword. And now will I go indoors andmake all ready there, for, if there come good news from thee, myhouse shall ring with women's cries of joy; but, if thou art slain, adifferent scene must then ensue. These are my instructions to thee.

SummaryElectra told Orestes that if Orestes doesn’t come through, then Electrawill kill herself.

Reading ComprehensionWho must succeed in order for Electra not to kill herself?

Vocabulary...spread my suppliant palms...In the quote above, the word suppliant meansa) spoked, as a wheelb) combed, as seaweedc) crying, as a beggard) sneezing, as from an allergent

DiscussionDo you think that Orestes and Aegisthus will have a showdown? If youdo, why? who will win?

Electra 6: Cell #1

Electra Leader of Chorus

Quote:Leader of the Chorus: “Hark! My friends, did ye hear that noise, liketo the rumbling of an earthquake, or am I the dupe of idle fancy?Hark! Hark! Once more that wind–borne sound swells loudly on mine!Come forth from the house!”Electra: “What is it, good friends? How goes the day with us?”Leader: “I hear the cries of dying men; no more I know.”

Summary:The leader of the chorus is asking Electra if she heard the screaming.She says yes and asks him if it’s her brother’s or Aegisthus’. He tellsher he can’t tell the voices apart

Reading Comp: What is the leader of the chorus asking Electra?

Vocabulary Q: What does dupe most closely mean?a. a foolb. a geniusc. a fatsod. a janitor

Discussion Q: Who do who think the screams are coming from,Aegisthus or Orestes?

Cell #2

Messenger

Quote:Messenger: All hail! Ye victors, maidens of Mycenae, to all Orestes’friends his triumph I announce; Aegisthus, the murderer ofAgamemnon, lies weltering where he fell; return thanks to heaven.

Summary:The messenger is telling Electra that Orestes has killed Aegisthus.

Reading Comp: Who died, Aegisthus or Orestes?

Vocabulary Q: What does weltering most closely mean?a. singingb. killingc. decomposingd. hitting

Discussion Q: How do you think Electra will feel when she hears thatAegisthus is dead?

AegisthusIs DEAD!!!!!!

Cell #3

Messenger Electra

Quote:Messenger: Look at me, dost thou not recognize thy brother’sservant?Electra: O best of friends! ‘twas fear that prevented me fromrecognizing thee; now I know thee well. What sayst thou? Is myfather’s hateful murderer slain?

Summary:The messenger was actually one of Agamemnon’s old servants, and hewas asking Electra if she remembered him.

Reading Comp: Who is the messenger?

Vocabulary Q: What does slain most closely mean?a. killedb. lovedc. heardd. listened

Discussion Q: Do you think the messenger will tell what happenednext? Why?

Do yourememberme?

Cell #4

Aegisthus crown

Orestes Messenger Garden

Quote:Messenger: After we had set out from this house, we struck into thebroad highroad, and came to the place where was the far-famed Kingof Mycenae. Now he was walking in a garden well-watered, culling awreath of tender myrtle-sprays for his head, and when he saw us, hecalled out, “All hail! Strangers; who are ye? Whence come ye? Fromwhat country?” To him Orestes answered, “We are from Thessaly, onour way to Alpheus’ banks to sacrifice to Olympian Zeus.”

Summary:The messenger and Orestes came as strangers to the palace where hismother and Aegisthus live with a lot of servants. They came asThessalians.

Reading Comp: What did Orestes and the Messenger come as?

Vocabulary Q: What does tender most closely mean?a. hardb. ruffc. affectionated. rubbery

Discussion Q: Will Orestes stab Aegisthus know?

Cell #5

Orestes axe

Aegisthus

Quote:Messenger: “‘“Bring water for my guests to wash forthwith, that theymay stand around the alter near the laver.”.....Meantime the servants,that composed their master’s bodyguard, laid aside their weapons, andone and all were busied at their tasks.....Next Aegisthus took from thebasket a long straight knife, and cutting off some of the calf’s hair, laidit with his right hand on the sacred fire, and then cut its throat whenthe servants had lifted it upon their shoulders....... Aegisthus took theentrails in his hand and carefully examined them. Now the liver had nolobe, while the portal vein leading to the gall-bladder portendeddangerous attack on him who was observing it....know Aegisthus wasexamining the entrails, separating them in his hand, and as he wasbending down.”

Summary:Orestes, the messenger, Aegisthus, and the servants went to sacrificea calf to the gods. Aegisthus predicted that he was going to be killedby looking at the insides of the calf which were deformed. WhenAegisthus bent over to take a better look, Orestes took one of theservants axe’s and chopped his head of.

Reading Comp: What did Aegisthus predict was going to happen tohim?

Vocabulary Q: What does portend most closely mean?a. threatenb. wish

c. sleepd. kill

Discussion Q: What will the slaves do next?

CELL #1//ELECTRA REJOICES

QUOTE:CHROUS (singing): Dear mistress, now with step as light as fond joinin the dance; lift high the nimble foot and be glad. Victory crowns thybrother; he hath won a fairer wreath than ever victor gained besidethe streams of Alpheus; so raise a fair hymn to victory, the while Idance.

ELECTRA: O light of day! O bright caring sun! O earth! And nighterewhile my only day; now may I open my eyes in freedom, for aAegisthus is dead, my father’s murderer. Come friends, let me bringout whate’er my house contains to deck his head and wreath withcrowns my conquering brother’s brow.

SUMMARY: Electra is happy because the person that killed her father is dead.

QUESTIONS:Why is Electra happy?

From the quote above the word conquer most closely meansa) to overthrowb) to losec) to restd) to eat

Discussion:Is it right for Electra to be happy about someone’s death?

CELL #2//ELECTRA COMPLIMENTS HER BROTHER’S ACTIONS

QUOTE:CHORUS (singing): Bring forth thy garland for his head, and we willlead the dance the Muses love. Now shall the royal line, dear to us indays gone by, resume its sway o’er the realm, having laid low theusurper as he deserves. So let the shout go up, whose notes are thoseof joy.

ELECTRA: Hail glorious victor, Orestes, son of sire who won the day‘neath Illium’s wall, accept this wreath to bind about the tresses of thyhair. Not in main hath thou run thy course unto the goal and reach thyhome; no! but thou hast slain thy bow, Aegisthus. The murderer of ourfather. Thou too, O Pilades, trusty squire, whose training shows thyfather’s sterling worth, receive a garland from my hand, for thou noless than he hast a share in this emprise; and so I pray, good luck tobe thine for ever!

SUMMARY:Electra compliments her brother’s killing Aegisthus and remembers herfather.

QUESTIONS:Who was the “sire who won the day ‘neath Ilium’s walls”?

Vocabulary:From the quote above the word usurper most closely means

a) cattle thiefb) lock pickerc) overtaker of a king’s throned) washer of polished dishes

Discussion:Is murder ever justified?

CELL #3//ORESTES OFFERS THE CORPSE

QUOTE:ORESTES: First recognize the gods, Electra, as being the authors ofour fortune, and then praise me their minister and fate’s. Yea, I comefrom having slain Aegisthus in very deed, no more pretence; and tomake thee the more certain of this, I am bringing thee his corpse,which, if thou wilt, expose for beasts to rend, or set it upon a stake forbirds, the children of the air, to prey upon; for now is he thy slave,once called the lord and master.

SUMMARY:Electra’s brother, Orestes, gives Electra Aegisthus’ corpse and tells herto leave him out for animals to eat his body away.

QUESTIONS:What does Orestes want Electra to do with the corpse?

Vocabulary:From the quote above the word corpse most closely means

a) a manb) a dead personc) an animald) food

Discussion:What will happen to the corpse?

CELL #4//ELECTRA IS ASHAMED

QUOTE:ELECTRA: I am ashamed to utter my wishes.

ORESTES: What is it? speak out, for thou art through the gates of fear.

ELECTRA: I am ashamed to flout the dead, for fear some spite assailme.

ORESTES: No one would blame thee for this.

ELECTRA: Our folk are hard to please, and love to blame.

ORESTES: Speak all thy mind, sister; for we entered on this feud withhim on terms admitting not of truce

SUMMARY:Electra feels guilty to do what her brother wants because she’s afraidothers would be angry with her.

QUESTIONS:Who feels ashamed?

From the quote above the word assail most closely meansa) to comfortb) to lovec) to attackd) to fear

Will Electra go on with what Orestes wants her to do?

CELL #5//ELECTRA TALKS ABOUT AEGISTHUS

QUOTE:ELECTRA: Time has shown thy villainy, little as thou reckest of theforfeit thou hast paid for it. Let none suppose, though he have run thefirst stage of his course with joy, that he will get the better of justice,till he have reached the goal and ended his career.

SUMMARY:Electra turns to the corpse of Aegisthus and begins to let out herfeelings and explains what Aegisthus did to make her life difficult.

QUESTIONS: How does Electra feel about Aegisthus?

From the quote above the word justice most closely meansa) sacrificeb) fairnessc) biasd) discrimination

What do you suppose will happen next?

CELL #6//ORESTES AND ELECTRA NEED ANOTHER PLAN

QUOTE:ORESTES: ‘Tis well. Carry his body within the house and hide it,sirrahs, that when my mother comes, she may not see his corpsebefore she is smitten herself

ELECTRA: Hold! let us strike out another scheme

ORESTES: How now? Are those allies from Mycenae whom I see?

ELECTRA: No, ‘tis my mother, that bare me.

ORESTES: Full into the net she is rushing, oh, bravely!

SUMMARY:Orestes and Electra are trying to hide Aegisthus’ corpse from theirmother before she comes home, but the plan fails because they seeher coming already.

QUESTIONS:Why do they have to come up with a new plan?

From the quote above the word smitten most closely meansa) struck with forceb) snuck up on someonec) slept in a riverd) laughed at a clown

Will their mother find the corpse?

CELL #7//PLAN B

QUOTE:ORESTES: What must we do to our mother? Slay her?

ELECTRA: What! has pity seized thee at sight of her?

ORESTES: O God! how can I slay her that bare and suckled me?

ELECTRA: Slay her as she slew thy father and mine.

SUMMARY:Electra comes up with a new plan to have Orestes slay their mother.

QUESTIONS:What is the new plan?

From the quote above the word slay most closely meansa) to distractb) to make into a slavec) to kill violentlyd) to cut safely

Will Orestes go along with Electra’s new plan?

CELL #8//ORESETES IS HESITANT

QUOTE:ORESTES: O Phoebus, how foolish was thy oracle-

ELECTRA: Where Apollo errs, who shall be wise?

ORESTES: In bidding me commit this crime-my mother's murder!

ELECTRA: How canst thou be hurt by avenging thy father?

ORESTES: Though pure before, I now shall carry into exile the stain ofa mother's blood.

ELECTRA: Still, if thou avenge not thy father, thou wilt fail in thy duty.

ORESTES: And if I slay my mother, I must pay the penalty to her.

SUMMARY:Orestes is hesitant to do such a deed as to kill their mother. Electrafeels that it would be revenge towards Aegisthus, and if Orestesdoesn’t kill their mother, he wouldn’t be fulfilling his duty.

QUESTIONS:What does Electra feel would be accomplished by killing their mother?

From the quote above the word avenge most closely meansa) to forgiveb) to get revengec) to tolerated) to attack

Do you think it is right for Electra to plan to kill their mother?

CELL #9//ORESTES TRIES TO RUN AWAY FROM IT

QUOTE:ELECTRA: And so must thou to him, if thou resign the avenging of ourfather.

ORESTES: Surely it was a fiend in the likeness of the god that orderedthis!

ELECTRA: Seated on the holy tripod? I think not so.

ORESTES: I cannot believe this oracle was meant.

ELECTRA: Turn not coward! Cast not thy manliness away!

SUMMARY:Orestes doesn’t believe that the killing of their mother should be done.Electra is trying to convince him to go on with the plan.

QUESTIONS:What is Electra trying to do?

From the quote above the word fiend most closely means?a) an evil spiritb) a sign of confusionc) a friend of oldd) the enemy of the sun

Should Orestes kill their mother?

CELL #10//ORESTES GIVES IN

QUOTE:ORESTES: Am I to devise the same crafty scheme for her?

ELECTRA: The self-same death thou didst mete out to her lordAegisthus.

ORESTES: I will go in; 'tis an awful task I undertake; an awful deed Ihave to do; still if it is Heaven's will, be it so; I loathe and yet I lovethe enterprise.

SUMMARY:After a while, Orestes decides to go along with the plan.

QUESTIONS:What does Orestes do?

From the quote above the word undertake most closely meansa) to take over a taskb) to resist before noonc) to agree quietlyd) to disagree falsely

Was it right for Orestes to agree? Why?

Electra Storyboard

Cell 1: Electra

“And may not I, mother, takethat highly favoured hand of

thine? I am a slave likethem, and exile from my

father’s halls in thismiserable abode.”

a) Clytemnestra’s attendants gathered round to praise her. She asksto be helped down from her chariot by her attendants. Electra askswhy is it that she cannot help her down from her chariot if she isconsidered a slave as well as the rest because she is being held aprisoner from her home.

b) What is Electra asking Clytemnestra?

c) From the above quote, abode means?a) Paradise c) hellb) dwelling place d) cage

d) Is it right for Clytemnestra to hold Electra captive?

Hail queen of Hargos!

Cell 2: Electra

“But, as it was, his reasonsfor murdering my daughterwere these: the wantonnessof Helen and her husband’sfolly in not punishing the

traitress.”

a ) Electra’s father killed Clytemnestra’s daughter, Iphegenia, bycutting her throat. Clytemnestra said that the only way that hewould be pardoned by such a crime was if he had killed her to savehis country from capture, or to benefit his house, or to protect hisother children. Clytemnestra tells Electra to speak her heart outand prove to her that her father’s death was not deserved.

b ) According to Clytemnestra, what was the only way in whichElectra’s father would have been pardoned?

c) In the above quote folly means?a) foolish actions c) desireb) smart actions d) necessity

d) How do you think Electra will respond to what her mother has justsaid?

He isguilty!

No!

Cell 3: Electra

“If, as thou allegest, myfather slew thy daughter,

what is the wrong I and mybrother have done thee?”

a) Electra asks her mother what has she and her brother ever done toher to receive such treatment. She states that is it fair that she andher brother, Orestes, should kill her to avenge her father’s death.

b) What does Electra think is fair?

c) From the quote above what does allegest mean?a) Claim, accuse c) state, declareb) Predict, foresee d) wonder, question

d) Do you think Electra and Orestes will kill their mother?

WHY

Cell 4: Electra

“Ah me for my sorryschemes! I have

goaded my husbandinto anger more than

e’er I should havedone.”

a) Here Clytemnestra recognized the grand damage that she hadproduced and asks for forgiveness. Electra responds that it is toolate to ask for forgiveness.

b) What does Electra ask from Electra?

c) From the above quote what does goad mean?a) Urge c) praisedb) Slaughter d) abuse

d) Was it right for Clytemnestra to kill her husband?

Toolate

I’msorry!

Cell 5: Electra

“…offer the customarysacrifice on the tenth day

after birth, for I am a noviceherein, never having had a

child before.”

a) Electra is offering a sacrifice on the tenth day after birth becauseshe has never had a child before and does not know how.

b) For what help is Electra asking her mother?

c) From the above quote what does novice mean?a) Happy c) lonelyb) Experienced d) beginner

d) Do you think Clytemnestra will accept Electra’s offering?

child

E) Cell 6: Electra

“Well, I will go to offerto the gods a sacrifice for the

child’s completion of thedays…”

a) Clytemnestra agrees and says that she will offer the gods thesacrifice for the child. After doing so, she says she will seek the fieldwhere her husband is sacrificing to the Nymphs.

b ) What is Clytemnestra going to do after she offers the child’ssacrifice to the gods?

c) From the above reading who are Nymphs?a) Servants c) ugly ladiesb) beautiful maidens d) goddesses

d) Why do you think Clytemnestra is going to seek the field whereAegisthus is (she thinks) making another sacrifice?

Fine, I shall

Electra Cell#1

Quote:“Take this chariot hence, my servants, and tie horses to the stalls; andwhen ye think that I have finished my offering to the gods, attend me,for I must likewise pleasure my lord.”

Summary:Clytemnestra tells her servants to go and take the horses to the stalls,as she will soon start the sacrificial ritual for the gods. She also toldthem to meet her at some place after they think Clytemnestra is done.

Reading Comprehension:Where is Clytemnestra heading off to?

Vocabulary Question:“Take this Chariot Hence,” Hence is

a) before thereb) before sharec) from hered) from tear

Discussion Question:Do you think it’s right to send many servants for just one simple task?

Electra Cell#2

Quote:“Enter our humble cottage; but prithee, take care that my smokegrimed walls do not soil thy robes; …”

Summary:Electra tells Clytemnestra to watch out for the dirty walls. Electradoesn’t want to spoil Clytemnestra for such a sanctuary ritual. Electraalso show her around the cottage and what is around.

Reading Comprehension:Who is telling whom to take care?

Vocabulary Question:My smoke grimed walls, grimed isa) softb) expensivec) dirtyd) blue

Discussion Question:Will Electra suddenly turn around and stab Clytemnestra?

Electra Cell#3

Quote:“The day is past when my chief fell murdered in his bath, and the roofand the very stones of the walls rang with his cry: ‘O cruel wife, whyart thou murdering me on my return to my dear country after ten longyears?’ ”

Summary: Chorus starts chanting away on how justice comes around. Thenbrings back the memories on which of why she is being killed. Quoteabove explains.

Reading Comprehension:What does Chorus chant about?

Vocabulary Question:Rang with his cry, rang isa) shook, reverberatedb) ran, pouredc) rung, sungd) red, bled

Discussion Question:How has justice come to Clytemnestra?

Electra Cell#4

Quote:“I too bewail thee, dying by thy children’s hands. God deals out hisjustice in His Good time. A cruel fate is thine, unhappy one; yet didstthou sin in murdering thy lord.”

Summary: Between Chorus’s chanting Electra and Orestes kill Clytemnestra. Shescreams but prays before doing so. Chorus then grieves for her. Andsays something like, cruel death but then again that’s the way Zeuswants it, plus she deserved it.

Reading Comprehension:Clytemnestra is killed by whom and for what?

Vocabulary Question:I too bewail thee, bewail is a) lament b) hate c) kill d) aid

Discussion Question:Do you, too, bewail Clytemnestra, why?

Electra Cell#5

Quote:But lo! From the house they come, dabbled in their mother’s fresh spiltgore, their triumph proving the piteous butchery.”

Summary:Chorus chants some more. This time Electra and Orestes come outwith attendants (holding both corpses).

Reading Comprehension:Who come out with the two cadavers?

Vocabulary Question:Dabbled in their mothers fresh spilt gore, Dabbled is

a) hated, despisedb) red, readc) wiped, splatteredd) suffering, whining

Discussion Question:Were the servants involved in the killing?

Electra Cell#6

Quote:“O earth, and Zeus whose eye is over all! behold this foul deed ofblood, these two corpses lying here that I have slain in vengeance formy sufferings.”

Summary:Orestes claims his victory over his accomplishments.

Reading Comprehension:What is Orestes doing?

Vocabulary Question:I have slain in vengeance, slay is a) push b) throw c) kill d) help

Discussion Question:Will Zeus reward Orestes?

Electra Cell#7

Quote:Tears are all too weak for this, brother; and I am the guilty cause. Ah,woe is me! How hot my fury burned against the mother that bare me!

Summary:Electra blames herself for some reason … she was really angry at hermother.

Reading Comprehension:Who does Electra blame?

Vocabulary Question:Ah, woe me! Woe isa) happinessb) wooc) despaird) tranquility

Discussion Question:Is it okay for Orestes to let Electra blame herself like so?

Electra Cell#8

Quote:“To what city can I go henceforth? What friend, what man of any pietywill bear the sight of a mother’s murderer like me?”

Summary:Orestes and Electra start feeling remorse for their “sin”. They are alsothinking of what people might think of them now (they killed theirmom--they are mom killers).

Reading Comprehension:Who are the mom killers?

Vocabulary Question:In the quote above, the word piety most nearly means…a) murderous griefb) happy doomc) sneering prided) religious respect

Discussion Question:Who will be good enough to care for these assassins in the future?

Electra Cell#9

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RememberingQuote:“I threw my mantle o’er them and began the sacrifice by plunging thesword into my mother’s throat.”

Summary:Orestes starts recalling the scene of the butchery, how Clytemnestragrabbed onto Orestes neck and mourned to endeavor to stop him. Shemanaged, for the time being, until Electra urged him on and evengrasped the sword towards her direction.

Reading Comprehension:Who was at most violent when killing Clytemnestra?

Vocabulary Question:I threw my mantle, mantle is a) sword b) lantern c) book d) cloak

Discussion Question:

Is it moral to kill your own mother? What will Orestes and Electra facein return?

Electra Cell#10

Quote:“Oh! Take and hide our mother’s corpses beneath a pall, and close hergaping wound. (Turning to the corpses) Ah! Thy murderers were thyown children.”

Summary:Orestes insists to Electra to seal their mother’s wound and to cover hercadaver.

Reading Comprehension:Who covers the dead body?

Vocabulary Question:Gaping wound, gaping is

a) severly closedb) open widec) smeared and bloodyd) smashed small

Discussion Question:Is the dead mother going to haunt Electra?

Electra Cell#11

Quote:“See! Where o’er the roof-top spirits are appearing, or gods maybeform heaven, for this is not thy road that mortals tread. Why comethey thus where mortal eyes can see them clearly?”

Summary:Chorus chants no more! He asks himself why spirits or gods come outwhere Electra, Orestes and even he can see them.

Reading Comprehension:Who can be seen and should not be seen due to Chorus’s opinion?

Vocabulary Question:Road that mortals tread, tread is

a) walkb) starec) poked) fight

Discussion Question:Will Electra and Orestes notice the spirits?

Cell One;

Quote:” Tis’ but now we have reached Argos after stilling the fury ofthe sea for mariners, having seen the slaying of our sister, thy mother.She hath received her just reward, but thine is no righteous act, andPhoebus – but no! he is my king, my lies are sealed – is Phoebus still,albeit the oracle he gave thee was no great proof of his wisdom. “

Summary: Castor and Pollux (Dioscuri) say that they have watchedthy mother get killed.

Reading Comprehension Question: Who was killed, Clytemnestraor Orestes?

Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word albeit most nearly means:A) Maybe soB) Even thoughC) AlpheusD) Let it be

Discussion Question: Do you think the person that killedClytemnestra will die, or get punished for committing a crime?

Cell Two:

Quote: “On Pylades bestow Electra for his wife to take unto his home;do thou leave Argos, for after thy mothers murder thou may not setfoot in the city. And those grim goddesses of doom, that glare thee toand fro; but go thou to Athens and make thy prayers to the holyimage of Pallas, for she will close their fierce serpent mouths, so thatthey touch thee not, holding over thy head her aegis with the Gorgon’shead.

Summary: Electra must not set foot into Argos because of her brotherwho murdered their mother. If she does step foot in Argos, she will behaunted by the ‘goddesses of doom’ and will be driven mad. So sheshould go pray at Pallas so that she cannot be harmed.

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word aegis most nearly means:A) GuidanceB) SponsorshipC) ProtectionD) Development

Discussion Question: What else do you think will happen if Electrasteps foot into Argos, and do you think the goddesses of doom reallyexist?

Cell Three:

Quote: “A hill there is, to Ares sacred, where first the gods in conclavesat to decide the law of blood, in the day that savage Ares slewHalirrothius. Son of the ocean king, in anger for the violence heoffered to his daughter’s honor; from that time all decisions giventhere are most holy and have heaven’s sanction.

Summary: There is a hill where the gods had a meeting about the lawof blood. The day Ares killed Halirrothius for the violence that he gaveto his daughter.

Reading Comprehension Question: Why are the gods at the hillsand what are they doing?

Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word sanction most nearlymeans:A) A giftB) A sacrificeC) An agreementD) A law

Discussion Question: Why do you think the gods are discussing this?

Cell Four:

Quote: “There must thou have this murder tried; and if equal votesare given, they shall save thee from death in the decision, for Loxiaswill take the blame upon himself, since it was his oracle that advisedthy mother’s murder. And this shall be the law for all prosperity; inevery trial the accused shall win his case if the votes are equal. Thenshall those dread goddesses; stricken with grief at this, vanish into acleft of the earth close to the hill, revered by men henceforth as aplace for holy oracles; whilst thou must settle in a city of Arcadia onthe banks of the river Alpheus near the shrine of Lycaean Apollo, andthe city shall be called after thy name.

Summary: The murder of Clytemnestra shall be tried in the Heavens,and if they vote to save the accused (Orestes), then someone elsewould be blamed instead.

Reading Comprehension Question: What are they voting on?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word stricken most nearlymeans:A) HitB) FellC) RolledD) Swam

Discussion Question: What do you think the results of the votes willbe?

Cell Five:

Quote: “Now let Pylades take his maiden wife and bear her to hishome in Achaea; also he must conduct thy so-called kinsman to theland of Phoicus, and there reward him well. But go thyself along thenarrow Isthmus, and seek Cecropia’s happy home. For once thouhasn’t fulfilled the doom appointed for this murder; thou shall be blestand free from all thy troubles.

Summary: The Dioscuri are saying, let Pylades take Electra homewith him, and let Pylades take Orestes to fulfill his punishment for themurder.

Reading Comprehension Question: Where is Pylades takingOrestes and what is he going to do over there?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word kinsman most nearlymeans:A) A fatherB) A male relativeC) An armyD) A team

Discussion Question: Was it right for Orestes to be freed from all histrouble when he had committed such a bad crime?

Cell Six:

Quote: “Dioscuri: ye may, since ye are not polluted by this murder.Orestes: May I too share your converse, sons of Tyndareus?Dioscuri: Thou too! For to Phoebus will I ascribe this deed of blood.Chorus: How was it that ye, the brothers of the murdered woman,gods too, did not ward the doom goddesses from her roof?Dioscuri: ‘Twas fate that brought resistless doom to her and thatthoughtless oracle that Phoebus gave.Electra: But why did the god, and wherefore did his oracles make memy mother’s murderer? “

Summary: This is a conversation between the Dioscuri, Orestes, andElectra. They are beginning to talk about the murder of Clytemnestraand the ‘chorus/narrator’ is asking why the relatives of Clytemnestradidn’t save her.

Reading Comprehension Question: Who are the participants of theconversation?

Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word ascribe most nearlymeans:A) To assign responsibilityB) To take the keysC) To want a wishD) To love a canine

Discussion Question: How do you think they will answer theNarrator’s question?

Cell Seven:

Quote: “Dioscuri: A share in the deed, a share in its doom; oneancestral curse hath ruined both of you.Orestes: Ah, sister mine! At last see thee again only to be robbed in amoment of thy dear love; I must leave thee, and by thee be left.Dioscuri: Hers are a husband and a home; her only suffering this, thatshe is quitting Argos.Orestes: Yet what could call forth deeper grief than exile from one’sfatherland? I must leave my father’s house, and at a stranger’s bar besentenced for my mother’s blood.Dioscuri: Be of good cheer; go to the holy town of Pallas; keep a stoutheart only.Electra: O my brother, best and dearest! Clasp me to thy breast; fornow is the curse of our mother’s blood cutting us off from the home ofour fathers.Orestes: Throw thy arms in close embrace about me, Oh! Weep as o’ermy grace when I am dead.

Summary: Here Orestes and Electra are talking about their mother,and Orestes is saying that he should be punished for killing his ownmother.

Reading Comprehension Question: Does Orestes want to die?Why?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word quitting most nearlymeans:A) LeavingB) Coming backC) SkippingD) Dropping

Discussion Question: Will Orestes really let himself be punished likehe says that he will?

Cell Eight:

Quote: “Dioscuri: Ah Me! That bitter cry makes even gods shudder tohear. Yea, for in my breast and in every heavenly being’s dwells pityfor the sorrows of mankind.Orestes: Never to see thee more!Electra: Never again to stand within thy sight!Orestes: This is my last good-bye to thee.Electra: I go, the tear drop dimming my tender eyes.Orestes: Go, Pylades, and be happy; take and wed Electra.

Summary: Here Orestes is saying goodbye to Electra and theDioscuri, and he is saying that he will never come back because ofwhat he did to his mother.

Reading Comprehension Question: Where is Orestes going?

Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word dimming most nearlymeans:A) BrighteningB) DullingC) FoggingD) Crying

Discussion Question: What do you think Orestes will do after heleaves Electra?

Cell Nine:

Quote: “Their only thoughts will be their marriage; but haste thee toAthens, seeking to escape these hounds of hell, for they are on thytrack in fearful wise, swart monsters, with snakes for hands, who reada harvest of man’s agony.”

Summary: The quote is saying that Electra and Pylades will thinkabout nothing but their marriage. And if they do anything wrong the‘goddesses of doom’ will come after them.

Reading Comprehension Question: What will happen if Pylades andElectra go and do things that are wrong?

Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word swart most nearly means:A) GreyB) AliveC) DeadD) Gloomy

Discussion Question: Do you think that Electra and Pylades will dosomething so bad that the ‘goddesses of doom’ will come after them?

Cell Ten:

Quote: “Wherefore let no man be minded to act unjustly, or with menforesworn set sail; such the warning I, a god, to mortals give.”

Summary: The quote is giving a message to the readers/audiencesaying that we shouldn’t do anything bad or wrong or there will beconsequences that might ruin our lives.

Reading Comprehension Question: Who is saying the quote andwhat is the quote trying to tell the audience?

Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word foresworn most nearlymeans:A) Not having triedB) Having triedC) Having swornD) Having lied

Discussion Question: Do you think that the quote is the real moralof the story?

Cell #1 Castor and Pollux

“Hearken, son of Agammemnon. We, the twin sons of Zeus, thymother's sisters, call thee, even Castor and his brother Polydeuces.'Tis but now we have reached Argos after stilling the fury of the sea formariners, having seen the slaying of our sister, thy mother. She hathreceived her just reward, but thine is no righteous act”

Summary: Castor and Pollux tell Electra that Clytemnestra deserved todie, but that Electra’s act wasn’t right.

What’s the relationship between Castor, Pollux, Electra, andClytemnestra?

In the quote above, the word stilling most nearly meansa) calmingb) angeringc) albeitd) Isthmus-making

Was it right to murder Clytemnestra?

Thine is norighteous act!!

Cell #2 Leave Argos

Leave Argos!

Quote: “Do thou leave Argos, for after thy mother’s murder thoumayst not set foot in this city.”Summary: They tell Electra that she can’t stay in Argos because of hercrime.

Why did she have to leave Argos?

Based on the quote above, the word mayst most nearly meansa) fogb) cannotc) cand) hate

Should Castor and Pollux give her more punishment?

Cell # 3 A reunion cut off short

Quote: “Ah sister mine! At last I see thee again only to be robbed in amoment of dear love; I must leave thee, and by thee be left.”

Summary: Orestes sees Electra again, only to have to leave her.

Is Orestes upset that he must leave Electra?

From the quote above, the word robbed means:a) illegally stolen by gremlinsb) angered by books and assignmentsc) grateful for shaving underd) having someone taken from me

Why do they have to separate?

OhElectra!

Orestes!

Cell #4 A sad good bye

Quote: “I go, the tear-drop dimming my tender eyes.”

Summary: Electra says goodbye tearfully to her brother.

Is Electra sad?

From the quote, tender most likely means:a) cruelb) stupidc) fragiled) ugly

Whose fault is it that they have to say goodbye?

I’msad

Cell #5 Happily ever after for Electra and Pylades

Quote: “Go, Pylades, and be happy; take and wed Electra. “

Summary: Orestes is telling Pyledes to go ahead and marry Electra.

Does Orestes want the two to be happy?

In the above quote, wed most likely means:a) doteb) killc) marryd) steal

Does Orestes have the right to give away Electra?

Marry Electra!