Question

The Greek god of light, civilization and learning, Apollo does not appear directly in The Libation Bearers, although his influence is strongly felt. He is represented by his proxy, Pylades. It is Apollo who sends an oracle to Orestes that orders him to avenge Agamemnon's murder, threatening gruesome punishments if he should refuse. Apollo's designs are at first in line with the ancient order of the Furies, as he commands Orestes to shed blood for blood. However, Apollo has also promised that Orestes will not have to pay for his crimes, in direct contrast to the cycle of vengeance. In the Eumenides, Apollo will advocate in favor of Orestes against Clytamnestra and the Furies.

How does Apollo's character contribute to the themes and plot of The Libation Bearers?

Answer 1

Apollo's character shapes the plot and themes of The Libation Bearers by commanding Orestes to enact vengeance while promising him impunity, reflecting the tension between ancient and evolving concepts of justice.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Greek god Apollo significantly influences the themes and plot of The Libation Bearers through his divine directions and moral paradoxes. As the deity of light and civilization, Apollo's command to Orestes to avenge Agamemnon's murder follows the traditional theme of blood for blood, tying into ancient beliefs in justice and cycles of vengeance. However, Apollo's assurance of Orestes's impunity after the deed directly opposes the old cycle of continuous retribution, thereby generating a theme of transformation from barbarism to a higher order of justice, one perhaps more aligned with civilization and Apollo's own spheres of influence.

Apollo's role in the play demonstrates how characters can be guided by external, divine forces. His influence also adds layers of complexity to the themes of justice, morality, and order in the world depicted by Aeschylus by illustrating the tension between older and newer conceptions of justice. In the subsequent play, The Eumenides, this tension is addressed further as Apollo stands as an advocate for Orestes against the Furies, showing the evolution from primitive retributive justice to a more reasoned and structured legal system.