In between those two battles against the Persians, Aeschylus won the annual tragedy contest for the first time in BC. He was top of the heap for a good time after that, in part because he completely revolutionized his art form. According to Aristotle , before Aeschylus came along, tragedies only featured one actor and a chorus; Aeschylus was the first person to add a second actor.
Thus, you could say that Aeschylus invented dramatic dialogue, making him the originator of all subsequent theater, movies, and TV. Not too shabby. But then, in , Aeschylus was given a run for his money by a young upstart named Sophocles , who actually won first prize in his first year competing. Fortunately, Aeschylus knew a good thing when he saw it and, in no time, he was working three-actor scenes into his own tragedies, including those of the Oresteia. Aeschylus's trick was that he would keep the third actor silent for long periods of time, making him all Greek actors were male speak only at climactic moments.
In Libation Bearers , the long-silent third actor is Pylades, who only speaks once it the play — at a decisive moment near the end. We're not going to spoil it for you by telling you when. Written near the end of his life, and incorporating his own innovations and those of Sophocles, Libation Bearers and the rest of the Oresteia make up Aeschylus's greatest achievement.
It is no coincidence that these plays were revived and re-performed after Aeschylus's death, a rare honor in ancient Athens. Fortunately for us, they continue to be read and performed today. You've seen Agamemnon. In his twentieth year, he was urged by Electra to return home and avenge his father's death. How does Electra recognize Orestes? He recognizes Orestes because of the scar on his brow and the siblings are reunited.
They begin to plot how they will murder both Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. The aged servant explains that Aegisthus is currently in his stables, preparing to sacrifice oxen for a feast. Was Agamemnon a real king? Agamemnon, in Greek legend, king of Mycenae or Argos. When was Medea written? What does Eumenides mean? Compare Oresteia. Can you shock a saltwater pool with bleach?
Literary Devices Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in The Libation Bearers , from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more. Themes Motifs Symbols. Quotes Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of the play by reading these key quotes. Important Quotes Explained.
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