Φιλία-theme and the structure of the Electra and Orestes scene in Euripides’ Orestes (vv. 211–315)

Abstract

The article analyzes the Orestes and Electra scene (vv. 211–315) which makes up the first episode of Euripides’ tragedy Orestes. The scene has a three-part composition, the integrity of which is created by the symmetrical arrangement of its parts and the echoing of motifs linked by the theme of φιλία. Special attention in this article is paid to the final fragment of the scene, where there is an exchange between Orestes and Electra (vv. 301–315). In response to the words of Orestes that express his willingness to die if Electra stays with him and dies because of it, Electra replies that she will not leave because she will choose to die with Orestes. The problem raised in the article involves the interpretation of lines 307–315 of the play, which contain Electra’s words (vv. 307–308). It is shown that Euripides neglected logic in order to create a symmetrical composition. The mirror exchange of statements with the topos “life without you is equal to death” helps Euripides to underscore the symmetry of the beginning and the end of the whole scene, which emphasizes the reciprocity of φιλία in the brother-sister relationship.