ibation Bearers. Another example is that Electra is told that Orestes is dead. One may wonder why Electra has to experience more grief as opposed to, for example, immediately knowing Orestes was near her and joining forces to get revenge. To my surprise, when Electra learned that Orestes was alive and close by, she did not question him about why he lied even to her. Instead, she was filled with joy. I believe Sophocles uses the supposed death of Orestes to cause a reaction in Electra, in turn enhancing character development. Euripides gives Electras character power by making her more decisive. He does not rely on the other characters as much to cause Electras reactions. Electra has more internal initiative. She pushed for Orestes to kill Clytamnestra, even when Orestes was having second doubts, I myself will arrange my mothers death (Euripides, 45). Both Sophocles and Euripides give a sense of more free will to the characters by reducing divine interventions. In both versions Orestes has come from an oracle, and was told he should supply justice to his fathers murderers. This is different from the Libation Bearers. In The Libation Bearers, Orestes not only comes with advice from the oracle, but with an ultimatum. Apollo told him to avenge his father or live a life of torment and a shameful death. This makes the gruesome murder and revenge seem like he is just trying to please Apollo, and lessens human fault. In the Electra plays, less divine intervention makes the humans easier to judge and blame. Their decision is a more personal choice; and in the Euripides version, although Castor is a god, his presence is necessary not indecision making, but in warning Orestes. Castor reminds Orestes of the choice he made, As soon as we (Castor and Polydeukes) calmed high waves for passing ships, we came here, for we had perceived the sacrifice you made - our sister, your mother. She has her just deserts but by your unjust ac...
