Question

The rather simple nurse of Orestes, Cilissa plays a small but crucial role in The Libation Bearers. She appears only once, just after Orestes has told Clytamnestra that he is a stranger from Delphi who comes bearing news of Orestes's death. She fulfills two major functions in the drama. First, she tells us that she raised Orestes from birth, soothing him through his infant nights and breastfeeding him when he was hungry. She thus negates Clytamnestra's claim to motherhood of Orestes. Second, it is she who Clytamnestra orders to tell Aigisthos to come meet the strangers with his bodyguard. After the chorus intervenes, she alters the message so that Aigisthos goes alone to meet Orestes. Cilissa is loyal to Orestes and Agamemnon, and resents Clytamnestra's treacheries. Without her, Orestes might not have succeeded in his plan.

How does the character of Cilissa contribute to the themes and plot of The Libation Bearers?

Answer 1

Cilissa in 'The Libation Bearers' embodies loyalty and cunning, altering the queen's orders and enabling Orestes to achieve his vengeance, thus impacting the drama's themes and plot.

Step-by-step explanation:

The character of Cilissa in The Libation Bearers contributes significantly to the themes and the plot of the drama. Cilissa demonstrates a theme of loyalty through her devotion to Orestes and Agamemnon, and she aids in the deception of Clytemnestra, effectively building the suspense that culminates in the play's resolution.

Furthermore, her actions directly contribute to the advancement of the plot; by cleverly altering Clytemnestra's orders, she ensures Aigisthos meets Orestes alone, allowing him to enact his revenge. Cilissa's brief role serves not only to challenge Clytemnestra's claim to motherhood but also to exert influence on the outcome of the events, reflecting the power of loyalty and cunning over deceit and treachery within the play's themes.