Resolution without Victory/ Victory without Resolution: The Identification Scene in Sophocles’ Elektra

Zusammenfassung

Sophocles’ play, as its title indicates, is the story of Orestes’ sister. For although the deeds of revenge that mark the final phase of the House of Atreus legend are committed in this Elektra, they are not the central focus of the play. It is the princess who attracts the playwright’s attention, and it is through her eyes that we are shown life at the palace of Mycenae; her reactions to her circumstances comprise the action of Sophocles’ extant version of the myth. Nevertheless, Orestes’ deed frames the drama and cannot be ignored; even when focusing upon Elektra, we remember that murder must be done.¹ Thus we watch the plot unfold with a sense of double vision: we ponder the brother’s purpose while watching how the sister is seemingly forced to take on his role.