This study guide was prepared by the students of John Marshall High
School’s Gifted, Highly Gifted, High Ability Magnet during the fall of
2003 and is part of an ongoing effort; comments, questions, or
suggestions are welcome at Online Literature Study, JMHS Magnet,
Silverlake, California, 90027.
Electra
Cell #1 Scene #1
Agamemnon
Quote: “Though all went well with Agamemnon in Troy, yet he
was slain in his own palace by the guile of his wife Clytemnestra and
the hand of Aegisthus, son of Thyestes. So he died and left behind
him the ancient sceptre of Tantalus, and Aegisthus reigns in his stead,
with the daughter of Tyndareus, Agamemnon’s queen, to wife.”–The
peasant
Summary: Agamemnon was slain by Aegisthus, after which
murder Aegisthus took over.
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word sceptre
most closely means:
A) A doll of violence
B) An animal of sloth
C) A royal rod of state
D) A gun of flowers
Reading Comprehension Question: Who was killed?
Discussion Question: Do you think Clytemnestra is happy or
sad about Agamemnon’s death?
Cell #2 Scene #1
Aegisthus
You can’t marry
anyone.
Electra
Quote: “The maid Electra (Agamemnon’s daughter) abode in her
father’s house, and soon as she had budded into maidenhood, came all
the princes of Hellas asking her hand in marriage. But Aegisthus kept
her at home for fear she might bear a son to some chieftain who would
avenge Agamemnon.”
Summary: Aegisthus wouldn’t let Electra marry anybody because he
was afraid that if she had a son, Electra would tell him to kill Aegisthus
for revenge for Agamemnon.
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word chieftain most
closely means:
A) A coward
B) A leader
C) A follower
D) A servant
Reading Comprehension Question: Why wouldn’t Aegisthus let
Electra marry anybody?
Discussion Question: If Electra did have a son, would you think that
she would tell her son to kill Aegisthus?
Cell #3 Scene #1
Quote: “O sable night, nurse of the golden stars! Beneath thy pall I go
to 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 gods
I may display the affronts Aegisthus puts upon me, and to the wide
firmament pour out my lamentation for my sire.” –Electra
Summary: Electra is sad and depressed.
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word firmament most
closely means:
A) The ground
B) The house
C) The sky
D) The water
Reading Comprehension Question: What did Electra have poised
upon her head?
Discussion Question: Would you ever think that Electra would
commit suicide because of this situation?
Cell #4 Scene #1
The Peasant
Quote: “Oh! Why poor maiden, dost thou toil so hard on my
behalf, thou that aforetime wert reared so daintily? Why canst thou
not forego thy labour, as I bid thee?
Summary: The peasant feels sorry for his wife and wonders
why she is working so hard.
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word toil most
closely means:
A) Work hard
B) Lounge lazily
C) Sleep dreamily
D) Joke foolishly
Reading Comprehension Question: What does the peasant
tell Electra that she is doing too hard?
Discussion Question: What do you think that the peasant will
do for Electra?
Why is Electra working so hard?
Why does the Peasant care how Electra works?
Cell #5 Scene #1
Peasant
Electra
Quote: “If such thy pleasure, go thy way; for, after all, the spring is
no great distance from my house. And at break of day I will drive my
steers to my glebe and sow my crop. For no idler, though he has the
gods’ names ever on his lips, can gather a livelihood without hard
work.” –Peasant of Mycenae
Summary: He is telling her that he is going to work.
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word glebe most
closely means:
A) Land belonging to a parish church or ecclesiastical region
B) A ship of state that ships to other states
C) An ancient skyscraper of Ozymandius
D) An ocean of toil mired in grief
Reading Comprehension Question: What did the Peasant tell
Electra to do?
Discussion question: Should Electra continue working to assuage her
grief?
Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherous
paramour.”
Cell I
“Though all went well with him in Troy, yet was he slain in his own
palace by the guile of his wife.”
Clytemnestra and Aegisthus killed King Agamemnon. They became the
new rulers of Agamemnon’s state Mycenae.
Who killed King Agamemnon?
In the quote above, the word guile most closely means
a. Enjoyment
b. Craftiness
c. Misery
d. Anger
Why do you think Clytemnestra and Aegisthus killed King
Agamemnon?
Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherous
paramour.”
Cell II
“Now as for those whom he left in his halls, when he sailed to Troy, his
son Orestes and his tender daughter Electra, -the boy Orestes, as he
was like to be slain by Aegisthus, his sire’s old foster-father secretly
removed to the land of Phocis and gave to Strophius to bring up, but
the maid Electra abode in her father’s house, and soon as she had
budded into maidenhood, came all the princes of Hellas asking her
hand in marriage.”
Electra was brought up in her father’s house so she had to live with
them. Agamemnon sent Orestes to Strophius before he died which is
where Orestes was raised. When Electra got older, many princes came
to ask for her hand in marriage, but Aegisthus prohibited her from
seeing 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 means
a. Resided
b. Argued
c. Surprised
d. Spoke controversially
Do you think that Electra enjoys being near Clytemnestra and
Aegisthus?
Will the plan of marrying Electra off to a peasant work to get rid of
her?
Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherous
paramour.”
Cell III
“O sable night, nurse of the golden stars! Beneath thy pall I go to 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 gods I
may display the affronts Aegisthus puts upon me, and to the wide
firmament pour out my lamentation for my sire”
Electra is carrying a pitcher of water on her head because Aegisthus
told her so. She complains about her workload and tells the peasant if
they can share the work.
Why was Electra carrying a pitcher of water?
In the quote above, affronts most closely means
a. Loving kindnesses
b. Despairing cries
c. Stylish patterns
d. Insults
Do you think that the peasant will share the work with Electra?
Electra: Part I- “O, Argos, ancient land…” to “…kept her treacherous
paramour.”
Cell IV
“Ah Pylades, I put thee first ‘mongst men for thy love, thy loyalty and
friendliness to me; for thou alone of all my friends wouldst still honour
poor Orestes, in spite of the grievous plight whereto I am reduced by
Aegisthus, who with my accursed mother’s aid slew my sire.”
Orestes and his friend Pylades arrive at Electra’s hut. They hope to
find her soon so that Orestes can meet her.
Why does Orestes want to find Electra?
In the quote above, the word plight most closely means
a. Joy
b. Situation
c. Trouble
d. Fulfillment
What do you think Aegisthus will do when he finds out that Orestes is
about 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 treacherous
paramour.”
Cell V
“Take this pitcher from my head, put it down, that I may wake
betimes, while it is yet night, my lamentation for my sire, my doleful
chant, my dirge of death, for thee, my father in thy grave, which day
by day I do rehearse, rending my skin with my nails, and smiting on
my shaven head in mourning for thy death.”
Orestes sees Electra and they meet. Electra tells him that she is mad
because he didn’t take her with him. She also complains about the
death of her father.
Why was Electra mad?
In the quote above, the word doleful most closely means
a. Painfully Sad
b. Bitterly Angry
c. Smilingly Cheerful
d. Lovingly rude
What do you think Orestes will say to Electra?
What purpose would Electra’s shaving her head or scratching her face
serve?
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 lives
on milk, announcing that the Argives are proclaiming a sacrifice for the
third day from now, and all our maidens are to go to Hera’s temple.”
Summary: The chorus (country women) is telling Electra that all their
maidens must go to Hera’s temple. They are delivering this
announcement from a messenger.
Reading Comprehension Question: Who must go to Hera’s temple?
Vocab: In the quote above, the word rustic most nearly describes
something belonging to…
a) a simple country person
b) an angry city person
c) an unhappy cave-dwelling person
d) 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 further
drag her down into worse misery?
Electra: Cell 2
Quote: “Kind friends, my heart is not set on festivity, nor do necklaces
of gold cause any flutter in my sorrowing bosom, nor will I stand up
with the maidens of Argos to beat my foot in the mazy dance. Tears
have been my meat day and night; ah misery! See my unkempt hair,
my tattered dress; are they fit for a princess, a daughter of
Agamemnon, or of Troy which once thought of my father as its
captor?”
Summary: Electra is not happy, but cries and tears her hair and
clothes out of grief over her father’s murder.
Reading Comprehension Question: Why is Electra unhappy?
Vocab: In the quote above, the word tattered most nearly
means_____.
a) dyed and squeezed
b) long and pretty
c) ripped and torn
d) washed and pressed
Discussion Question: What would most daughters think of their
father’s difficulties?
Which of Agamemnon’s children will press most strenuously for
revenge—will the young man and young woman develop different
plans or similar?
Electra: Cell 3
Quote: “Mighty is the goddess; so come, and borrow of me broidered
robes for apparel and jewels of gold that add a further grace to
beauty’s charms. Dost think to triumph o’er thy foes by tears, if thou
honour not the gods? ‘Tis not by lamentation but by pious prayers to
heaved that thou, my daughter, wilt make fortune smile on thee.”
Summary: The chorus women are trying to cheer up Electra after her
father’s death.
Reading Comprehension Question: Who is trying to cheer up
Electra?
Vocab: In the quote above, the word pious most nearly means_____.
a) strong
b) a lot of
c) useful
d) 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 the
sacrifices offered by my father long ago. Ah woe for the dead! Woe for
the living wanderer, who dwelleth in some foreign land, an outcast and
vagabond 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, an
exile from my father’s halls, here by the scarred hill-side; while my
mother is wedded to a new husband in a marriage stained by blood.”
Summary: Electra is thinking about her father’s murder, and how her
mother is off marrying another man.
Reading Comprehension Question: What is Electra’s mother doing?
Vocab: In the quote above, the word hearkens most nearly
means_____.
a) believes strongly
b) listens carefully
c) trusts intently
d) receives pushily
Discussion Question: Why did Electra mention that her mother’s
marriage 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. For
dwelling so far from the city I know nothing of its ills, and I should like
to hear about them now myself.”
Summary: The leader of the chorus wants to learn more about the far
away city.
Reading Comprehension Question: From what is the leader far
away?
Vocab: In the quote above, the word dwelling means______.
a) knowing about a place
b) visiting a prison
c) living somewhere
d) 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 they
come hither to my rustic gate? can they want my help? for 'tis
unseemly for a woman to stand talking with young men."
The Peasant sees strangers talking to Electra and calls such behavior
inappropriate.
Why does the Peasant have any opinion about Electra's behavior?
In the quote above, the word rustic most nearly means
a. rural, coarse
b. sophisticated, elegant
c. intellectual, clever
d. strong, brave
What might the strangers say to change the Peasant’s opinion of
them?
Why is the Peasant unhappy to see his wife chatting with a team of
young men at his door?
Cell 2- The conversation
“ELECTRA
Dear 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.
PEASANT
What say they? is that hero yet alive and in the light of day?
ELECTRA
He is; at least they say so, and I believe them.
PEASANT
Surely then he hath some memory of his father and thy wrongs?
ELECTRA
These are things to hope for; a man in exile is helpless.
PEASANT
What message have they brought from Orestes?
ELECTRA
He sent them to spy out my evil case.
PEASANT
Well, they only see a part of it, though maybe thou art telling them the
rest.
ELECTRA
They know all; there is nothing further they need ask.”
Electra tells her husband not to be suspicious of her because the
strangers came to tell her news of Orestes, her brother, and asks the
strangers to excuse her husband’s remark. The Peasant then asks if
Orestes is still alive, and Electra replies that he is. After her reply the
Peasant asks her if Orestes has any memory of his father and the
wrongs done to her. Electra, in reply says that those are things to
hope for and that a man who is in exile is helpless. The Peasant then
asks Electra what message they had brought from Orestes. Electra
says that Orestes sent the strangers to see her horrible conditions. The
Peasant then says that they only see part of her condition even though
she may be telling them the rest. Electra says that the strangers know
everything 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, respected
b. praised, commended
c. jeered, mocked
d. revered, regarded
Do you think that it was right of the Peasant to ask so many questions
about Orestes?
Will the Peasant attack the strangers or invite them in for tasty
snacks?
Cell 3- The Welcome
“PEASANT
Long 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 cheer
as my house affords. Ho! servants, take their baggage within; make
no excuses, for ye are friends sent by one I love; and poor though I
am, yet will I never show meanness in my habits.
ORESTES
'Fore heaven! is this the man who is helping thee to frustrate thy
marriage, because he will not shame Orestes?
ELECTRA
This is he whom they call my husband, woe is me!”
The Peasant says to Electra that she should have welcomed the
strangers into their home a long time ago. The Peasant welcomes the
strangers into the house and says that in return for their messages
they shall find as much happiness as the house it can have, and calls
the servants to bring the strangers baggage inside. Orestes asks
Electra if the Peasant is the one who is respecting her because he
doesn’t want to shame the family name. Electra replies that he is the
man 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.
b.
c.
d.
respect, value
valor, skill
amateur, dabbler
adept, artist
Do you think that Electra will be happy that the Peasant thought of
inviting the strangers into their house?
Cell 4- Value of a Man
“ORESTES
Ah! there is no sure mark to recognize a man's worth; for human
nature hath in it an element of confusion. For I have seen ere now the
son of noble sire prove himself a worthless knave, and virtuous
children sprung from evil parents; likewise dearth in a rich man's
spirit, and in a poor man's frame a mighty soul. By what standard then
shall we rightly judge these things? By wealth? An evil test to use. By
poverty then? Nay, poverty suffers from this, that it teaches a man to
play the villain from necessity. To martial prowess must I turn? But
who could pronounce who is the valiant man merely from the look of
his spear? Better is it to leave these matters to themselves without
troubling. For here is a man of no account in Argos, with no family
reputation to boast, one of the common herd, proved a very hero. A
truce to your folly! ye self-deceivers, swollen with idle fancies; learn to
judge men by their converse, and by their habits decide who are
noble. Such are they who rule aright both states and families; while
those forms of flesh, devoid of intellect, are but figure-heads in the
market-place. The strong arm, again, no more than the weak awaits
the battle-shock, for this depends on natural courage. Well! absent or
present, Agamemnon's son, whose business brings us here, deserves
this of us, so let us accept a lodging in this house.
Calling to his servants
Ho! sirrahs, go within. A humble host, who does his best, in preference
to a wealthy man for me! And so I thankfully accept this peasant's
proffered welcome, though I could have preferred that thy brother
were 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 person
because he’s seen children of good parents go bad and vice versa. He
also says that despite the hardships of poverty the Peasant is still a
good man, and he thanks the Peasant for his hospitality.
What does Orestes say?
In the above quote proffered most nearly means
a. extended, presented
b. stained, soiled
c. bruised, crushed
d. heartened, encouraged
How would you feel if, after being in a royal family and living a
luxurious life, you had to agree to stay in a peasant’s home?
Cell 5- Electra complains
“ELECTRA
O reckless man, why didst thou welcome strangers like these, so far
beyond thy station, knowing the poverty of thy house?
PEASANT
Why? if they are really as noble as they seem, surely they will be
equally content with rich or humble fare.”
Electra scolds the Peasant about why he invited the strangers into the
house. The Peasant in reply says that if the strangers are as noble as
they 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 ever
heretofore;”
In the quote above suffuse most nearly means
a. present, acquaint
b. abstract, withdraw
c. eject, evict
d. steep, fill
Was it right for Electra to attack the Peasant like that for a problem
that wasn’t the Peasant’s fault?
Cell 6- Electra solves her problem
“ELECTRA
Well. since thou hast made this error, poor man as thou art, go to my
father's kind old foster-sire; on the bank of the river Tanaus, the
boundary 'twixt Argos and the land of Sparta, he tends his flocks, an
outcast from the city; bid him come hither to our house and some
provision for the strangers' entertainment. Glad will he be, and will
offer thanks to heaven to hear that the child, whom once he saved, is
yet 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 inviting
the strangers into the house he should go to her father’s foster-father
and invite him to their house since he’ll be glad to hear that Orestes is
still alive. She also warns that if her mother knows that Orestes lives
she 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 a
worthless knave, and virtuous children sprung from evil parents;”
In the quote above the word knave most nearly means
a. sweetie, lover
b. rogue, scoundrel
c. idiot, moron
d. human, dude
If you were in the Peasant’s shoes would you have agreed to Electra’s
order? Why or why not?
Cell 7: Peasant agrees
“PEASANT
I will take this message to the old man, if it seem good to thee; but
get thee in at once and there make ready. A woman, when she
chooses, can find dainties in plenty to garnish a feast. Besides, there is
quite enough in the house to satisfy them with food for one day at
least. 'Tis in such cases, when I come to muse thereon, that I discern
the mighty power of wealth, whether to give to strangers, or to
expend in curing the body when it falls sick; but our daily food is a
small matter; for all of us, rich as well as poor, are in like case, as
soon 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 means
a. armor
b. virtue
c. death
d. 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 by
those countless oars, what time ye led the Nereids’ dance, where
the dolphin music-loving rolled and gambolled round your dusky
prows, escorting Achilles, nimble son of Thetis, when he went
with 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. Horrible
b. shadowy
c. see-through
d. 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's
daughter, whom I nursed in days gone by? Oh! how steep is the
approach to this house, a hard climb for these old wasted feet of
mine! Still, to reach such friends as these, I must drag my bent
old back and tottering knees up it. Ah, daughter! -for I see thee
now at thy door, -lo! I have brought this tender lamb from my
own flock, having taken it from its dam, with garlands too and
cheese straight from the press, and this flask of choice old wine
with fragrant bouquet; 'tis small perhaps, but pour a cup thereof
into some weaker drink, and it is a luscious draught. Let some
one carry these gifts into the house for the guests; for I would
fain 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. He
has 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 up
b. brand new
c. shining
d. 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, if
thou thinkest my own brave brother would have come to this
land by stealth for fear of Aegisthus. In the next place, how
should our hair correspond? His is the hair of a gallant youth
trained 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 the
same blood. No, maybe 'twas some stranger cut off his hair in
pity at his tomb, or one that came to spy this land privily. OLD
MAN: Put thy foot in the print of his shoe and mark whether it
correspond with thine, my child.”
b) In this scene, the old man tells Electra to see if the footprint
matches up with her own. He believes that the footprint is that
of Electra’s brother who they haven’t seen since Electra was a
little girl. Electra thinks that the old man is crazy for thinking
that 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. distasteful
b. dishonourable
c. honorable
d. 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 a
sham; for there be plenty such prove knaves. Still I give
them greeting. ORESTES : All hail, father! To which of
thy friends, Electra, does this old relic of mortality
belong? ELECTRA : This is he who nursed my sire, sir
stranger. ORESTES : What! do I behold him who
removed thy brother out of harm's way?”
b) In this scene Orestes comes out of his hut and meets
the Old man.
c) When Orestes calls the old man “this old relic of
mortality,” what does he mean?
d) In the quote above, the word knaves most closely
means
a. knives
b. followers
c. traders
d. miscreants
e) Was it disrespectful of Orestes to call the old man “this
old relic of mortality”?
Cell 5- The Old Man Finds Electra’s Brother; page 6
a) “Old Man: Behold before thee, my child, thy nearest and
dearest. Electra: I have long feared thou wert not in thy sound
senses Old Man: Not in my sound senses, because I see thy
brother? Electra: What mean’st thou, aged friend, by these
astounding words? Old Man: That I see Orestes, Agamemnon’s
son, before me. Electra: What mark dost see that I can trust?
Old Man: A scar along his brow, where he fell and cut himself
one 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 and
realizes 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 was
Electra’s long lost brother?
d) In the quote above, the word fawn most closely means
a. a young deer
b. a villain
c. a squirrel
d. 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 dear
brother? Electra: No! Not any longer, old friend; for my soul is
convinced by the tokens thou showest. O my brother, thou art
come at last, and I embrace thee, little as ever thought to.
Orestes: And thee to my bosom at last I press. Electra: I never
thought that it would happen Orestes: All hope in me was also
dead.
b) In this scene, Electra recognizes the scar on Orestes head and
realizes that the Old Man is right, and that Orestes is really her
brother.
c) What are the “tokens” that convinced Electra that Orestes is
her brother?
d) In the quote above, the word embrace most closely means
a. to push away
b. to decline
c. to hug, to accept
d. 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 the
cast I mean to throw; and I feel sure I shall; else must we cease to
believe in gods, if wrong is to triumph o’er right.
Summary: Electra is happy to see her brother Orestes—they each had
thought the other dead.
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word cast most nearly means?
a. throw a line to catch a fish
b. throw some dice to gamble
c. buy a cracker
d. wash a bloody knife
Reading Comprehension: Why were the siblings happy to see each
other?
Discussion: Compare this reunion to that of Clytemnestra and
Agamemnon
Cell 2 Electra
Quote: “My son thou hast no friend now in thy hour of adversity. No
that is a piece of rare good luck, to find another share thy fortunes
alike for better and for worse.”
Summary: Old man is telling Orestes that he will not have any friends
in Argos. Old man says it would be lucky to find a friend who will share
his riches and stick with him through thick and thin.
Reading Comprehension: What is Old Man telling Orestes; that good
friends are hard or easy to find?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word adversity most closely
means?
a. Joyous, silly holidays
b. golden, halcyon times
c. nearing the days of death
d. 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 on
his father’s murderer. And Old Man is saying that Orestes’ previous
idea won’t work out. Orestes asks Old Man if Thyestes’ house has
another sentinels.
Reading comprehension: Does Old Man think that Orestes idea is wellthought?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word sentinels most nearly
means?
a. writers
b. watchers
c. seekers
d. eaters
Discussion: Is it right for Old Man to say that Orestes previous idea
was 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 hoping
that Old Man’s idea is okay with him and that Old Man’s idea is a good
one. Orestes is going to listen carefully.
Reading Comprehension: Which person is giving which person a new
idea--Orestes or Old Man?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word perception most nearly
means?
a. hearing
b. understanding
c. misunderstanding
d. 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 our
helplessness.”
- Orestes
Summary: Orestes and Old Man are talking about Aegisthus, and if he
will see Orestes when he carries out Old Man’s plan. Old Man has seen
him and telling Orestes what he has seen. Orestes feels that whatever
Old Man will tell him, will help Orestes and his plan.
Reading Comprehension: Why is Orestes feel like he’s finally going to
get a break?
Vocabulary: in the quote above, the word gleam most nearly means?
a. a glimmer
b. a glint
c. a tiny shred
d. a giant chunky piece
Discussion: Was it right for Orestes to listen to ‘peeping Tom’ Old
Man?
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 tell
Aegisthus about Orestes’ plan. Old Man says that the slaves would not
because it is a code between slaves.
Reading Comprehension: Will Aegisthus’ slaves expose Orestes? Why
not?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word pretext most nearly means?
a. a blown cover
b. a false pretence
c. a speaking before
d. a purpose.
Discussion: What do you think will happen to Orestes if he approaches
Aegisthus?
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 for
a 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 to
Orestes?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word rue most nearly means?
a.
accept
b.
retract
c.
regret
d.
apologetic
Discussion: Do you think it is all right Orestes to kill his mother? How
about Aegisthus?
Cell 8. Electra
Quote: From fear of the citizens’ reproach she stayed behind.
Summary: “She” is Clytemnestra and Old Man and Orestes are saying
that Clytemnestra did not accompany her husband because of fear of
the citizens’ reproach.
Reading Comprehension: “She” is referring to whom (in the quote
above)?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word reproach most nearly
means?
a.
agree, affirm
b.
boast, brag
c.
disagree, refute
d.
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 is
talking and says that Old Man should tell Clytemnestra that Electra has
given birth to a son. Electra is going to do that in order for Orestes to
kill his and her mother and their stepfather, Aegisthus.
Reading Comprehension: What did Electra tell Old Man to say to
Clytemnestra? In order for what to happen?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word confinement most nearly
means?
a.
wantonness
b.
weakness
c.
confidence
d.
keeping in limits
Discussion: Would Clytemnestra come to her daughter’s aid after
plotting to ruin her life?
Cell 10. Electra
Quote: “Thou too, my father, sent to the lands of shades by wicked
hands, and Earth, the queen of all, to whom I spread my suppliant
palms, and champion thy dear children.”
Summary: Orestes is speaking to his father and telling him to rescue
his children as a champion.
Reading Comprehension: Is Orestes talking to his father of Old Man?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word champion most nearly
means?
a.
confidently eat
b.
courageously help
c.
fearfully sleep
d.
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 cause
too I bid thee strike Aegisthus down, because, if thou fall in the
struggle and perish, I also die; no longer number me amongst the
living, for I will stab myself with a two-edged sword.”
Summary: Electra is telling Orestes that their father can hear them all
the time and that he heard him pray just now. She is also telling
Orestes that the time has come for them to start the plan. If Orestes
should 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 pear
b.
turn into a fish
c.
faint
d.
die
Discussion: Should a sister kill herself if her brother died?
Test #5
Cell I
ORESTES
All hope in me was also dead.
ELECTRA
Art thou really he?
ORESTES
Aye, thy one and only champion, if I can but safely draw to shore the
cast I mean to throw; and I feel sure I shall; else must we cease to
believe in gods, if wrong is to triumph o'er right.
Summary
Electra and Orestes are happy to meet because they thought each
other was dead.
Reading Comprehension
What 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 means
a) throw, as a net
b) push, as a ball
c) sing, as a prayer
d) fall, as down stairs
Discussion
What will they do now that they’ve found each other?
Cell II
CHORUS singing
At last, at last appears thy radiant dawn, O happy day! and as beacon
to the city hast thou revealed the wanderer, who, long ago, poor boy!
was exiled from his father's halls.
OLD MAN
My son, thou hast no friend now in thy hour of adversity. No! that is a
piece of rare good luck, to find another share thy fortunes alike for
better and for worse. Thou art of every friend completely reft, all hope
is gone from thee; be sure of what I tell thee; on thy own arm and
fortune art thou wholly thrown to win thy father's home and thy city.
ORESTES
What must I do to compass this result?
OLD MAN
Slay Thyestes' son and thy mother.
Summary
Orestes has just found out from friend Old Man that he has almost no
friends left, and to be welcome in his father’s home again he must kill
Aegisthus, who is Thyestes’ son, and Clytemnestra, their own mother.
Reading Comprehension
Who is the wanderer who returns after long ago being exiled by his
father?
Vocabulary
...sweet though the rapture of this greeting...
In the quote above, the word rapture most nearly means
a) rage
b) fervor
c) informing
d) soothing
Discussion
How will Orestes kill Thyestes’ son and his own mother?
Cell III
ORESTES
Well then, do thou next propose a scheme, old friend.
OLD MAN
Hear me a moment; an idea has just occurred to me.
ORESTES
May thy counsel prove good, and my perception keen!
OLD MAN
I saw Aegisthus, as I was slowly pacing hitherORESTES
I welcome thy words. Where was he?
OLD MAN
Not far from these fields, at his stables.
ORESTES
What was he doing? I see a gleam of hope after our helplessness.
Summary
Old Man has a plan for Orestes that involves the slaying of Aegisthus,
who is at his stables right now.
Reading Comprehension
Who has a plan for Orestes?
Vocabulary
May thy counsel prove good, and my perception keen!
In the quote above, the word perception most nearly means
a) hair
b) memory
c) clothes
d) thoughts
Discussion
What do you imagine Aegisthus was doing in his stables?
Cell IV
OLD MAN
Aegisthus was preparing to sacrifice oxen.
ORESTES
How many were with him? or was he alone with his servants?
OLD MAN
Only a band of his own followers.
ORESTES
Is it possible that any of them will recognize me?
OLD MAN
They are only servants, and they have never even seen thee.
ORESTES
His estate is close to the road, I suppose.
OLD MAN
Yes, and when he sees thee there, he will invite thee to the feast.
ORESTES
So help me God! He shall rue his invitation.
OLD MAN
After that, form thy own plan according to circumstances.
ELECTRA
Mine be the preparation of my mother's slaying!
ORESTES
Well, as for the other, fortune will favour us.
ELECTRA
Our old friend here must help us both.
OLD MAN
Aye, that will I; but what is thy scheme for slaying thy mother?
ELECTRA
Go, old man, and tell Clytemnestra from me that I have given birth to
a son.
Summary
Orestes is going to try and get invited to Aegisthusís feast, who was
currently preparing to sacrifice oxen, and after he is invited then he
will decide the plan. Orestesí mother is at Argos, and will go to the
feast. Old Man is to go and tell Clytemnestra that Electra has had a
baby boy.
Reading Comprehension
Who 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 means
a) type of dog
b) name of place
c) tricky idea
d) stinky body part
Discussion
Why is Old man going to tell Clytemnestra that she had a baby?
Cell V
OLD MAN
Some time ago, or quite recently?
ELECTRA
Ten days ago, which are the days of my purification.
OLD MAN
Suppose it done; but how doth this help towards slaying thy mother?
ELECTRA
She will come, when she hears of my confinement.
Summary
Electra thinks that Clytemnestra will come to see her after she hears
about her “baby” when Old Man goes and tells her.
Reading Comprehension
Who is going to tell Clytemnestra that Electra had a baby?
Vocabulary
...when she hears of my confinement...
In the quote above, the word confinement means
a) limitless track
b) bordered restriction
c) immeasurable destruction
d) free candy, gum, and cookies
Discussion
Why will Clytemnestra come to Electra when she hears that she had a
baby?
Cell VI
ELECTRA
First of all, old friend, act as my brother's guide.
OLD MAN
To the place where Aegisthus is now sacrificing to the gods.
ELECTRA to ORESTES
Thy work begins at once; thou hast drawn the first lot in the tragedy.
ORESTES
I will go, if some one will show me the way.
OLD MAN
I will myself conduct thee nothing loath.
Summary
Old Man is going to be Orestes’ guide to the place where Aegisthus is
sacrificing oxen, and then the plan that Orestes, Electra, and Old Man
put together will begin to take action.
Reading Comprehension
Who is acting as Orestes’ guide?
Vocabulary
...thou hast drawn the first lot...
In the quote above, the word drawn most closely means
a) lured
b) crept
c) pulled
d) dragged
Discussion
Do you think that the plan that Orestes, Electra, and Old Man put
together will succeed?
Cell VII
ORESTES
O Zeus, god of my fathers, vanquisher of my foes, have pity on us, for
a piteous lot has ours been.
ELECTRA
Oh! have pity on thy own descendants.
ORESTES
O Hera, mistress of Mycenae's altars, grant us the victory, if we are
asking what is right.
ELECTRA
Yes, grant us vengeance on them for our father's death.
Summary
Orestes is praying to ask the gods to let them kill Aegisthus and
Clytemnestra because they want justice.
Reading Comprehension
Who 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 means
a) slayer
b) helper
c) hairdresser
d) teacher
Discussion
Will the gods answer Orestes’ prayers?
Cell VIII
ORESTES
Thou too, my father, sent to the land of shades by wicked hands, and
Earth, the queen of all, to whom I spread my suppliant palms, up and
champion thy dear children. Come with all the dead to aid, all they
who helped thee break the Phrygians' power, and all who hate ungodly
crime. Dost hear me, father, victim of my mother's rage?
ELECTRA
Sure am I he heareth all; but 'tis time to part. For this cause too I bid
thee strike Aegisthus down, because, if thou fall in the struggle and
perish, I also die; no longer number me amongst the living; for I will
stab myself with a two-edged sword. And now will I go indoors and
make all ready there, for, if there come good news from thee, my
house shall ring with women's cries of joy; but, if thou art slain, a
different scene must then ensue. These are my instructions to thee.
Summary
Electra told Orestes that if Orestes doesn’t come through, then Electra
will kill herself.
Reading Comprehension
Who must succeed in order for Electra not to kill herself?
Vocabulary
...spread my suppliant palms...
In the quote above, the word suppliant means
a) spoked, as a wheel
b) combed, as seaweed
c) crying, as a beggar
d) sneezing, as from an allergent
Discussion
Do you think that Orestes and Aegisthus will have a showdown? If you
do, 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, like
to 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 tells
her 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 fool
b. a genius
c. a fatso
d. a janitor
Discussion Q: Who do who think the screams are coming from,
Aegisthus or Orestes?
Cell #2
Aegisthus
Is DEAD!!!!!!
Messenger
Quote:
Messenger: All hail! Ye victors, maidens of Mycenae, to all Orestes’
friends his triumph I announce; Aegisthus, the murderer of
Agamemnon, 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. singing
b. killing
c. decomposing
d. hitting
Discussion Q: How do you think Electra will feel when she hears that
Aegisthus is dead?
Cell #3
Messenger
Electra
Do you
remember
me?
Quote:
Messenger: Look at me, dost thou not recognize thy brother’s
servant?
Electra: O best of friends! ‘twas fear that prevented me from
recognizing thee; now I know thee well. What sayst thou? Is my
father’s hateful murderer slain?
Summary:
The messenger was actually one of Agamemnon’s old servants, and he
was asking Electra if she remembered him.
Reading Comp: Who is the messenger?
Vocabulary Q: What does slain most closely mean?
a. killed
b. loved
c. heard
d. listened
Discussion Q: Do you think the messenger will tell what happened
next? Why?
Cell #4
Aegisthus
crown
Orestes
Messenger
Garden
Quote:
Messenger: After we had set out from this house, we struck into the
broad highroad, and came to the place where was the far-famed King
of Mycenae. Now he was walking in a garden well-watered, culling a
wreath of tender myrtle-sprays for his head, and when he saw us, he
called out, “All hail! Strangers; who are ye? Whence come ye? From
what country?” To him Orestes answered, “We are from Thessaly, on
our way to Alpheus’ banks to sacrifice to Olympian Zeus.”
Summary:
The messenger and Orestes came as strangers to the palace where his
mother and Aegisthus live with a lot of servants. They came as
Thessalians.
Reading Comp: What did Orestes and the Messenger come as?
Vocabulary Q: What does tender most closely mean?
a. hard
b. ruff
c. affectionate
d. rubbery
Discussion Q: Will Orestes stab Aegisthus know?
Cell #5
Orestes
axe
Aegisthus
Quote:
Messenger: “‘“Bring water for my guests to wash forthwith, that they
may stand around the alter near the laver.”.....Meantime the servants,
that composed their master’s bodyguard, laid aside their weapons, and
one and all were busied at their tasks.....Next Aegisthus took from the
basket a long straight knife, and cutting off some of the calf’s hair, laid
it with his right hand on the sacred fire, and then cut its throat when
the servants had lifted it upon their shoulders....... Aegisthus took the
entrails in his hand and carefully examined them. Now the liver had no
lobe, while the portal vein leading to the gall-bladder portended
dangerous attack on him who was observing it....know Aegisthus was
examining the entrails, separating them in his hand, and as he was
bending down.”
Summary:
Orestes, the messenger, Aegisthus, and the servants went to sacrifice
a calf to the gods. Aegisthus predicted that he was going to be killed
by looking at the insides of the calf which were deformed. When
Aegisthus bent over to take a better look, Orestes took one of the
servants axe’s and chopped his head of.
Reading Comp: What did Aegisthus predict was going to happen to
him?
Vocabulary Q: What does portend most closely mean?
a. threaten
b. wish
c. sleep
d. 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 join
in the dance; lift high the nimble foot and be glad. Victory crowns thy
brother; he hath won a fairer wreath than ever victor gained beside
the streams of Alpheus; so raise a fair hymn to victory, the while I
dance.
ELECTRA: O light of day! O bright caring sun! O earth! And night
erewhile my only day; now may I open my eyes in freedom, for a
Aegisthus is dead, my father’s murderer. Come friends, let me bring
out whate’er my house contains to deck his head and wreath with
crowns my conquering brother’s brow.
SUMMARY:
Electra is happy because the person that killed her father is dead.
QUESTIONS:
Why is Electra happy?
From
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above the word conquer most closely means
to overthrow
to lose
to rest
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 will
lead the dance the Muses love. Now shall the royal line, dear to us in
days gone by, resume its sway o’er the realm, having laid low the
usurper as he deserves. So let the shout go up, whose notes are those
of 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 thy
hair. Not in main hath thou run thy course unto the goal and reach thy
home; no! but thou hast slain thy bow, Aegisthus. The murderer of our
father. Thou too, O Pilades, trusty squire, whose training shows thy
father’s sterling worth, receive a garland from my hand, for thou no
less than he hast a share in this emprise; and so I pray, good luck to
be thine for ever!
SUMMARY:
Electra compliments her brother’s killing Aegisthus and remembers her
father.
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 thief
b) lock picker
c) overtaker of a king’s throne
d) 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 of
our fortune, and then praise me their minister and fate’s. Yea, I come
from having slain Aegisthus in very deed, no more pretence; and to
make 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 for
birds, 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 her
to 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 man
b) a dead person
c) an animal
d) 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 assail
me.
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 with
him on terms admitting not of truce
SUMMARY:
Electra feels guilty to do what her brother wants because she’s afraid
others would be angry with her.
QUESTIONS:
Who feels ashamed?
From
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above the word assail most closely means
to comfort
to love
to attack
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 the
forfeit thou hast paid for it. Let none suppose, though he have run the
first 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 her
feelings and explains what Aegisthus did to make her life difficult.
QUESTIONS:
How does Electra feel about Aegisthus?
From
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above the word justice most closely means
sacrifice
fairness
bias
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 corpse
before 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 their
mother before she comes home, but the plan fails because they see
her coming already.
QUESTIONS:
Why do they have to come up with a new plan?
From
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above the word smitten most closely means
struck with force
snuck up on someone
slept in a river
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
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above the word slay most closely means
to distract
to make into a slave
to kill violently
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 oracleELECTRA: 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 of
a 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. Electra
feels that it would be revenge towards Aegisthus, and if Orestes
doesn’t kill their mother, he wouldn’t be fulfilling his duty.
QUESTIONS:
What does Electra feel would be accomplished by killing their mother?
From
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above the word avenge most closely means
to forgive
to get revenge
to tolerate
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 our
father.
ORESTES: Surely it was a fiend in the likeness of the god that ordered
this!
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
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above the word fiend most closely means?
an evil spirit
a sign of confusion
a friend of old
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 lord
Aegisthus.
ORESTES: I will go in; 'tis an awful task I undertake; an awful deed I
have to do; still if it is Heaven's will, be it so; I loathe and yet I love
the enterprise.
SUMMARY:
After a while, Orestes decides to go along with the plan.
QUESTIONS:
What does Orestes do?
From
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above the word undertake most closely means
to take over a task
to resist before noon
to agree quietly
to disagree falsely
Was it right for Orestes to agree? Why?
Electra Storyboard
Cell 1: Electra
Hail queen of Hargos!
“And may not I, mother, take
that highly favoured hand of
thine? I am a slave like
them, and exile from my
father’s halls in this
miserable abode.”
a) Clytemnestra’s attendants gathered round to praise her. She asks
to be helped down from her chariot by her attendants. Electra asks
why is it that she cannot help her down from her chariot if she is
considered a slave as well as the rest because she is being held a
prisoner from her home.
b) What is Electra asking Clytemnestra?
c) From the above quote, abode means?
a) Paradise
c) hell
b) dwelling place
d) cage
d) Is it right for Clytemnestra to hold Electra captive?
Cell 2: Electra
He is
guilty!
No!
“But, as it was, his reasons
for murdering my daughter
were these: the wantonness
of Helen and her husband’s
folly in not punishing the
traitress.”
a ) Electra’s father killed Clytemnestra’s daughter, Iphegenia, by
cutting her throat. Clytemnestra said that the only way that he
would be pardoned by such a crime was if he had killed her to save
his country from capture, or to benefit his house, or to protect his
other children. Clytemnestra tells Electra to speak her heart out
and prove to her that her father’s death was not deserved.
b ) According to Clytemnestra, what was the only way in which
Electra’s father would have been pardoned?
c) In the above quote folly means?
a) foolish actions
b) smart actions
c) desire
d) necessity
d) How do you think Electra will respond to what her mother has just
said?
Cell 3: Electra
WHY
“If, as thou allegest, my
father slew thy daughter,
what is the wrong I and my
brother have done thee?”
a) Electra asks her mother what has she and her brother ever done to
her to receive such treatment. She states that is it fair that she and
her 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, declare
b) Predict, foresee
d) wonder, question
d) Do you think Electra and Orestes will kill their mother?
Cell 4: Electra
I’m
sorry
!
Too
late
“Ah me for my sorry
schemes! I have
goaded my husband
into anger more than
e’er I should have
done.”
a ) Here Clytemnestra recognized the grand damage that she had
produced and asks for forgiveness. Electra responds that it is too
late to ask for forgiveness.
b) What does Electra ask from Electra?
c) From the above quote what does goad mean?
a) Urge
c) praised
b) Slaughter
d) abuse
d) Was it right for Clytemnestra to kill her husband?
Cell 5: Electra
child
“…offer the customary
sacrifice on the tenth day
after birth, for I am a novice
herein, never having had a
child before.”
a) Electra is offering a sacrifice on the tenth day after birth because
she 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) lonely
b) Experienced
d) beginner
d) Do you think Clytemnestra will accept Electra’s offering?
E) Cell 6: Electra
Fine, I shall
“Well, I will go to offer
to the gods a sacrifice for the
child’s completion of the
days…”
a) Clytemnestra agrees and says that she will offer the gods the
sacrifice for the child. After doing so, she says she will seek the field
where her husband is sacrificing to the Nymphs.
b ) What is Clytemnestra going to do after she offers the child’s
sacrifice to the gods?
c) From the above reading who are Nymphs?
a) Servants
c) ugly ladies
b) beautiful maidens
d) goddesses
d) Why do you think Clytemnestra is going to seek the field where
Aegisthus is (she thinks) making another sacrifice?
Electra Cell#1
Quote:
“Take this chariot hence, my servants, and tie horses to the stalls; and
when 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 told
them 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 there
b) before share
c) from here
d) 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 smoke
grimed walls do not soil thy robes; …”
Summary:
Electra tells Clytemnestra to watch out for the dirty walls. Electra
doesn’t want to spoil Clytemnestra for such a sanctuary ritual. Electra
also 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 is
a) soft
b) expensive
c) dirty
d) 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 roof
and the very stones of the walls rang with his cry: ‘O cruel wife, why
art thou murdering me on my return to my dear country after ten long
years?’ ”
Summary:
Chorus starts chanting away on how justice comes around. Then
brings back the memories on which of why she is being killed. Quote
above explains.
Reading Comprehension:
What does Chorus chant about?
Vocabulary Question:
Rang with his cry, rang is
a) shook, reverberated
b) ran, poured
c) rung, sung
d) 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 his
justice in His Good time. A cruel fate is thine, unhappy one; yet didst
thou sin in murdering thy lord.”
Summary:
Between Chorus’s chanting Electra and Orestes kill Clytemnestra. She
screams but prays before doing so. Chorus then grieves for her. And
says something like, cruel death but then again that’s the way Zeus
wants 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 spilt
gore, their triumph proving the piteous butchery.”
Summary:
Chorus chants some more. This time Electra and Orestes come out
with 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, despised
b) red, read
c) wiped, splattered
d) 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 of
blood, these two corpses lying here that I have slain in vengeance for
my 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 her
mother.
Reading Comprehension:
Who does Electra blame?
Vocabulary Question:
Ah, woe me! Woe is
a) happiness
b) woo
c) despair
d) 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 piety
will bear the sight of a mother’s murderer like me?”
Summary:
Orestes and Electra start feeling remorse for their “sin”. They are also
thinking of what people might think of them now (they killed their
mom--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 grief
b) happy doom
c) sneering pride
d) religious respect
Discussion Question:
Who will be good enough to care for these assassins in the future?
Electra Cell#9
<==
Remembering
Quote:
“I threw my mantle o’er them and began the sacrifice by plunging the
sword into my mother’s throat.”
Summary:
Orestes starts recalling the scene of the butchery, how Clytemnestra
grabbed onto Orestes neck and mourned to endeavor to stop him. She
managed, for the time being, until Electra urged him on and even
grasped 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 face
in return?
Electra Cell#10
Quote:
“Oh! Take and hide our mother’s corpses beneath a pall, and close her
gaping wound. (Turning to the corpses) Ah! Thy murderers were thy
own children.”
Summary:
Orestes insists to Electra to seal their mother’s wound and to cover her
cadaver.
Reading Comprehension:
Who covers the dead body?
Vocabulary Question:
Gaping wound, gaping is
a) severly closed
b) open wide
c) smeared and bloody
d) 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 maybe
form heaven, for this is not thy road that mortals tread. Why come
they thus where mortal eyes can see them clearly?”
Summary:
Chorus chants no more! He asks himself why spirits or gods come out
where 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) walk
b) stare
c) poke
d) fight
Discussion Question:
Will Electra and Orestes notice the spirits?
Cell One;
Quote:” Tis’ but now we have reached Argos after stilling the fury of
the sea for mariners, having seen the slaying of our sister, thy mother.
She hath received her just reward, but thine is no righteous act, and
Phoebus – 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 watched
thy mother get killed.
Reading Comprehension Question: Who was killed, Clytemnestra
or Orestes?
Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word albeit most nearly means:
A) Maybe so
B) Even though
C) Alpheus
D) Let it be
Discussion Question: Do you think the person that killed
Clytemnestra 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 set
foot in the city. And those grim goddesses of doom, that glare thee to
and fro; but go thou to Athens and make thy prayers to the holy
image of Pallas, for she will close their fierce serpent mouths, so that
they touch thee not, holding over thy head her aegis with the Gorgon’s
head.
Summary: Electra must not set foot into Argos because of her brother
who murdered their mother. If she does step foot in Argos, she will be
haunted by the ‘goddesses of doom’ and will be driven mad. So she
should go pray at Pallas so that she cannot be harmed.
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word aegis most nearly means:
A) Guidance
B) Sponsorship
C) Protection
D) Development
Discussion Question: What else do you think will happen if Electra
steps foot into Argos, and do you think the goddesses of doom really
exist?
Cell Three:
Quote: “A hill there is, to Ares sacred, where first the gods in conclave
sat to decide the law of blood, in the day that savage Ares slew
Halirrothius. Son of the ocean king, in anger for the violence he
offered to his daughter’s honor; from that time all decisions given
there are most holy and have heaven’s sanction.
Summary: There is a hill where the gods had a meeting about the law
of blood. The day Ares killed Halirrothius for the violence that he gave
to his daughter.
Reading Comprehension Question: Why are the gods at the hills
and what are they doing?
Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word sanction most nearly
means:
A) A gift
B) A sacrifice
C) An agreement
D) 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 votes
are given, they shall save thee from death in the decision, for Loxias
will take the blame upon himself, since it was his oracle that advised
thy mother’s murder. And this shall be the law for all prosperity; in
every trial the accused shall win his case if the votes are equal. Then
shall those dread goddesses; stricken with grief at this, vanish into a
cleft of the earth close to the hill, revered by men henceforth as a
place for holy oracles; whilst thou must settle in a city of Arcadia on
the banks of the river Alpheus near the shrine of Lycaean Apollo, and
the 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 else
would be blamed instead.
Reading Comprehension Question: What are they voting on?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word stricken most nearly
means:
A) Hit
B) Fell
C) Rolled
D) Swam
Discussion Question: What do you think the results of the votes will
be?
Cell Five:
Quote: “Now let Pylades take his maiden wife and bear her to his
home in Achaea; also he must conduct thy so-called kinsman to the
land of Phoicus, and there reward him well. But go thyself along the
narrow Isthmus, and seek Cecropia’s happy home. For once thou
hasn’t fulfilled the doom appointed for this murder; thou shall be blest
and free from all thy troubles.
Summary: The Dioscuri are saying, let Pylades take Electra home
with him, and let Pylades take Orestes to fulfill his punishment for the
murder.
Reading Comprehension Question: Where is Pylades taking
Orestes and what is he going to do over there?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word kinsman most nearly
means:
A) A father
B) A male relative
C) An army
D) A team
Discussion Question: Was it right for Orestes to be freed from all his
trouble 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 that
thoughtless oracle that Phoebus gave.
Electra: But why did the god, and wherefore did his oracles make me
my mother’s murderer? “
Summary: This is a conversation between the Dioscuri, Orestes, and
Electra. They are beginning to talk about the murder of Clytemnestra
and the ‘chorus/narrator’ is asking why the relatives of Clytemnestra
didn’t save her.
Reading Comprehension Question: Who are the participants of the
conversation?
Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word ascribe most nearly
means:
A) To assign responsibility
B) To take the keys
C) To want a wish
D) To love a canine
Discussion Question: How do you think they will answer the
Narrator’s question?
Cell Seven:
Quote: “Dioscuri: A share in the deed, a share in its doom; one
ancestral curse hath ruined both of you.
Orestes: Ah, sister mine! At last see thee again only to be robbed in a
moment 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, that
she is quitting Argos.
Orestes: Yet what could call forth deeper grief than exile from one’s
fatherland? I must leave my father’s house, and at a stranger’s bar be
sentenced for my mother’s blood.
Dioscuri: Be of good cheer; go to the holy town of Pallas; keep a stout
heart only.
Electra: O my brother, best and dearest! Clasp me to thy breast; for
now is the curse of our mother’s blood cutting us off from the home of
our fathers.
Orestes: Throw thy arms in close embrace about me, Oh! Weep as o’er
my 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 own
mother.
Reading Comprehension Question: Does Orestes want to die?
Why?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word quitting most nearly
means:
A) Leaving
B) Coming back
C) Skipping
D) Dropping
Discussion Question: Will Orestes really let himself be punished like
he says that he will?
Cell Eight:
Quote: “Dioscuri: Ah Me! That bitter cry makes even gods shudder to
hear. Yea, for in my breast and in every heavenly being’s dwells pity
for 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 the
Dioscuri, and he is saying that he will never come back because of
what he did to his mother.
Reading Comprehension Question: Where is Orestes going?
Vocabulary: In the quote above, the word dimming most nearly
means:
A) Brightening
B) Dulling
C) Fogging
D) Crying
Discussion Question: What do you think Orestes will do after he
leaves Electra?
Cell Nine:
Quote: “Their only thoughts will be their marriage; but haste thee to
Athens, seeking to escape these hounds of hell, for they are on thy
track in fearful wise, swart monsters, with snakes for hands, who read
a harvest of man’s agony.”
Summary: The quote is saying that Electra and Pylades will think
about 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 and
Electra go and do things that are wrong?
Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word swart most nearly means:
A) Grey
B) Alive
C) Dead
D) Gloomy
Discussion Question: Do you think that Electra and Pylades will do
something 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 men
foresworn set sail; such the warning I, a god, to mortals give.”
Summary: The quote is giving a message to the readers/audience
saying that we shouldn’t do anything bad or wrong or there will be
consequences that might ruin our lives.
Reading Comprehension Question: Who is saying the quote and
what is the quote trying to tell the audience?
Vocabulary: In the Quote above, the word foresworn most nearly
means:
A) Not having tried
B) Having tried
C) Having sworn
D) Having lied
Discussion Question: Do you think that the quote is the real moral
of the story?
Cell #1 Castor and Pollux
Thine is no
righteous act!!
“Hearken, son of Agammemnon. We, the twin sons of Zeus, thy
mother's sisters, call thee, even Castor and his brother Polydeuces.
'Tis but now we have reached Argos after stilling the fury of the sea for
mariners, having seen the slaying of our sister, thy mother. She hath
received her just reward, but thine is no righteous act”
Summary: Castor and Pollux tell Electra that Clytemnestra deserved to
die, but that Electra’s act wasn’t right.
What’s the relationship between Castor, Pollux, Electra, and
Clytemnestra?
In
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above, the word stilling most nearly means
calming
angering
albeit
Isthmus-making
Was it right to murder Clytemnestra?
Cell #2 Leave Argos
Leave Argos!
Quote: “Do thou leave Argos, for after thy mother’s murder thou
mayst not set foot in this city.”
Summary: They tell Electra that she can’t stay in Argos because of her
crime.
Why did she have to leave Argos?
Based on the quote above, the word mayst most nearly means
a) fog
b) cannot
c) can
d) hate
Should Castor and Pollux give her more punishment?
Cell # 3 A reunion cut off short
Orestes!
Oh
Electra!
Quote: “Ah sister mine! At last I see thee again only to be robbed in a
moment 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 gremlins
b) angered by books and assignments
c) grateful for shaving under
d) having someone taken from me
Why do they have to separate?
Cell #4 A sad good bye
I’m
sad
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) cruel
b) stupid
c) fragile
d) ugly
Whose fault is it that they have to say goodbye?
Cell #5 Happily ever after for Electra and Pylades
Marry Electra!
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
a)
b)
c)
d)
the above quote, wed most likely means:
dote
kill
marry
steal
Does Orestes have the right to give away Electra?