'Electra (Murray Translation)' Summary

Euripides' *Electra* retells the Greek myth of the same name, focusing on Electra's burning desire for revenge against her mother Clytemnestra and stepfather Aegisthus for the murder of her father Agamemnon. Electra, married platonically to a poor peasant, eagerly awaits the return of her brother Orestes, who is destined to help her exact vengeance. When Orestes finally returns, the siblings carry out their duty, driven by the command of Apollo. However, Euripides departs from the traditional interpretation of the myth, revealing the tragic consequences of their actions. He portrays Clytemnestra with empathy, emphasizing her maternal vulnerability, while questioning the divine mandate for vengeance. Euripides exposes the psychological complexities and moral ambiguities of the situation, ultimately challenging the audience to reflect on the nature of revenge and its consequences. The play's exploration of the characters' motivations and the moral dilemmas they face raises profound questions about the nature of justice and the limits of human agency.