Another Ancient Drama By Joshua Evers
I certainly mean no disrespect to any of the ancient writings, as they were crucial in understanding the cultures of that time period and were, in many cases, the only form of history on a specific culture. However, I have grown very critical of the heavy drama and irony present. Likely being overcritical, I literally shouted when Electra made the connection that the lock of hair belonged to Orestes in line 175, and confirmed it in line 180 saying, "It's his- I can see his curls." That's a pretty good memory to say the least, recognizing the keratin of another human as that of your sibling. Then it came. Beginning on line 220, Electra says " No, it's a trap stranger... a net you tie around me?" in response to Orestes trying to convince her that it's him. How can you detect your sibling's hair follicles and not recognize your sibling when they are looking you in the face? Needless to say this drama was not presented to my logical preference, but I allowed it and continued reading.
"Oh just once to see them - lives bones crackling in the fire spitting pitch!"(Lines 271-273)
"He told of the leprous boils that ride the flesh, their wild teeth gnawing at the mother tissue..." (Lines 285-286)
"...a brazen whip will mutilate your back." (Line 295)
Does anyone else constantly question how gruesome people in this story can get? I specifically chose these three quotes because they were all on the same page in the book. Hopefully this reminds everyone of the constant display of cruel imagery, of which I arguably was becoming ignorant of due to seeing it so often. These people are so brutal, vengeful, and barbaric.
However, in their defense, I understand their motives. When Dr. Downs made the point of every man having to defend his honor, regardless of the intensity of the offense, it gives insight into the mindset of the characters. They possessed horrible and crooked views of justice and honor, but above all things, I have realized that many of their crazy acts brought them closure. Once again, I do not agree with the validity of this mindset and its consequential actions, but I simply understand it.
P.s. I commented on the posts of Breanna and Moriah.
"Oh just once to see them - lives bones crackling in the fire spitting pitch!"(Lines 271-273)
"He told of the leprous boils that ride the flesh, their wild teeth gnawing at the mother tissue..." (Lines 285-286)
"...a brazen whip will mutilate your back." (Line 295)
Does anyone else constantly question how gruesome people in this story can get? I specifically chose these three quotes because they were all on the same page in the book. Hopefully this reminds everyone of the constant display of cruel imagery, of which I arguably was becoming ignorant of due to seeing it so often. These people are so brutal, vengeful, and barbaric.
However, in their defense, I understand their motives. When Dr. Downs made the point of every man having to defend his honor, regardless of the intensity of the offense, it gives insight into the mindset of the characters. They possessed horrible and crooked views of justice and honor, but above all things, I have realized that many of their crazy acts brought them closure. Once again, I do not agree with the validity of this mindset and its consequential actions, but I simply understand it.
P.s. I commented on the posts of Breanna and Moriah.
The logical fallacies bewildered me in this story too. She had no idea who her brother was but could recognize his hair follicles. What if she just couldn't see him clearly since it was dark? Also, she could've just felt what his hair was like and related it to hers. I suppose it wouldn't matter though since she did say she can visibly see the curls so she must have been able to see his face. I agree with your point though, logic didn't really align in this one.
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