Sophocles’ Electra
Context – spend no longer than 45 minutes
Chrysothemis:I wonder, Electra, what can have possessed youTo put on such bold armour, and call on meTo serve under your orders? Do you forgetYou are only a woman, and weaker than your enemy?His day is rising, ours is running outAnd almost ended. Who could set a snareFor such a man and not himself be caughtIn the net of doom? Take care; this kind of talk,If anyone hears it, will bring us from bad to worse.Honour and glory will do us little goodIf we die an inglorious death for it.………………………………………O, Electra, for pity’s sake, think what you doBefore you destroy us all and end our historyFor ever.Page 98
Who is Chrysothemis and what has Electra asked her to do? (10) In what ways are Electra and Chrysothemis different? (10) Study the underlined words and phrases. Explain why it is surprising that such words are used by either of these two women. (10) Do you think Electra is in any way admirable in this play? (15)
(Quality of written communication: 5 marks)Essay – choose one, spend no longer than 45 minutes
“Orestes and Electra are just as bad as each other.” Do you agree? Compare the Clytemnestra in this play with Aeschylus’ Clytemnestra. Are there any significant differences?(50 marks)