Euripides’ Electra
Student’s Guide | Classical Reference Library
Richer Resources Editorial Team
About This Guide
In Euripides’ Electra, a brother and sister seek revenge for their father’s murder. They believe they are restoring justice, but their actions leave them troubled and afraid. This guide will help you follow the story and consider whether revenge can truly make things right.
Before You Read
Agamemnon, king of Argos, was murdered after returning from the Trojan War. His wife, Clytaemnestra, and her partner, Aegisthus, were responsible. Agamemnon’s children, Electra and Orestes, have grown up separated. Euripides tells one version of this well-known Greek myth; Aeschylus and Sophocles wrote different versions.
The Story at a Glance
Electra lives in the countryside, married to a poor farmer. Aegisthus arranged the marriage to keep her from having a powerful son who might seek revenge. Although the farmer is poor, he treats Electra with kindness and respect.
Orestes returns secretly with his friend Pylades. An old servant recognizes him, and the siblings are reunited. Together they plan to kill Aegisthus and Clytaemnestra.
Orestes kills Aegisthus during a sacrifice. Electra then tricks Clytaemnestra into coming to her home by claiming she has given birth. The siblings kill their mother, but their triumph quickly becomes horror and remorse. At the end, the divine brothers Castor and Polydeuces announce what must happen next.
Meet the Characters
Electra — Agamemnon’s daughter, angry at the injustice done to her family.
Orestes — Her brother, returning from exile to avenge their father.
The Farmer — Electra’s husband, who shows that goodness does not depend on wealth or noble birth.
Clytaemnestra — Their mother, who helped murder Agamemnon and defends her actions.
Aegisthus — Clytaemnestra’s partner, who fears revenge from Agamemnon’s children.
Pylades — Orestes’ loyal companion.
The Old Man — A former servant who helps recognize Orestes.
The Dioscuri — Divine brothers who appear at the end to describe the siblings’ futures.
Important Themes
Revenge and Justice — Does punishing someone for a terrible act always make things right?
Family Loyalty — Electra and Orestes want to honor their father, but doing so means killing their mother.
Wealth and Character — The farmer behaves honorably, challenging the idea that noble birth guarantees virtue.
Guilt and Remorse — After their revenge, the siblings do not feel the relief they expected.
Choice and Responsibility — The characters make decisions under pressure, but they must still face the consequences.
What to Notice as You Read
Notice how the farmer treats Electra. How does his behavior compare with that of the royal characters?
Pay attention to the scene in which Electra recognizes Orestes. What counts as convincing proof of identity?
Listen to Clytaemnestra’s explanation for Agamemnon’s murder. Does understanding her reasons mean approving of what she did?
Watch how Electra and Orestes speak before and after their mother’s death.
A Literary Feature: Reversal
A reversal occurs when events turn sharply away from what characters expect. Electra and Orestes expect revenge to answer the wrong done to their father. Instead, the killing of their mother leaves them distressed and uncertain. This change asks the audience to reconsider what justice means.
Questions to Think About
- Why has Electra been married to a poor farmer?
- What does the farmer reveal about the difference between social rank and character?
- Why do Electra and Orestes believe they must seek revenge?
- How does Clytaemnestra explain her part in Agamemnon’s death?
- Are Electra and Orestes equally responsible for killing their mother?
- Why do the siblings feel remorse after completing their plan?
- Does the appearance of the gods settle the moral questions raised by the play?
After You Finish
Choose one character whose actions you understand but do not necessarily approve of. Explain that character’s reasons and the consequences of the decision, using two details from the play.
A Final Thought
Euripides’ Electra shows how a desire for justice can become entangled with anger, family loyalty, and guilt. The play asks us to look beyond the satisfaction of revenge and consider what remains afterward.
Note to the Reader
This guide accompanies the Richer Resources Publications edition of Euripides’ Electra, translated by Ian Johnston. A printable PDF version of this resource is available by email.
