-
Essay / Aeschylus' Oresteia: Justice Rewritten
The Oresteia is a versatile work that lays the foundation for the evolution of modern political thought through the ages. It also serves to describe the beginning of humanity's understanding through multiple different lenses. Human life is scrutinized and the result is the beginning of a new form of justice. But is this new justice the permanent form? The power dynamics that evolve in the Oresteia pose a complex question. The questions asked in this work are essential to the formulation of democracy. The principles of justice, equality, power and fairness are questioned and critically reflected upon. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayIn The Oresteia, the shift from the old form of justice to the new is a powerful change, but only constitutes a rung on the ladder of political evolution. The Oresteia constitutes an effective political solution because it results in the transition to a new order characterized by trial by jury, the appointment of impartial judges, and the delegation of checks and balances. Jury trial is a staple of today’s democracy. However, it was not always this way. The law of blood ruled ancient Greece. In this form of justice, blood flowed freely. Cyclical patterns of violence have resulted in increased violence, leaving no room for justification. The era of murder for murder's sake has given rise to an open, cyclical, ruthless and disruptive way of life. In this, the importance of individual life was reduced to a single unit. In The Oresteia, the path from bloody vengeance to jury trial is paved with the sorrows of the house of Atreus. In a series of bloodthirsty murders, it is decided that the blood must stop somewhere. While Athena witnesses the birth of the trial, the Furies contribute to the transition of systems. “No, you will give me blood for blood, you must” cry the Furies (The Oresteia 243). Although it appears that the Furies are calling on the old system for revenge, this quote plays a larger role based on the text surrounding it. In this scene, Athena begins the process of forming the new justice system. The Furies continue to say “And there you will see them all.” Every mortal who has outraged God, a guest or a loving parent: each receives the pain that his pains require” (243). The system goes from a real bloodbath to a metaphorical system. The idea of a prison or a sort of confinement is evoked by this sentence from The Furies. As Athena is called upon to pass judgment, her wisdom comes to the forefront. She decides to rely on her peers, which leads to the birth of a new political community. “Some think this is too big a question for mortals to decide. But obviously even I should not decide a murder case – murder stirs passions” (243). Athena shows the perfect explanation for why the current system needs to be reformed: murder pushes irrational thoughts and judgments. The cyclical bloodshed can never be stopped because of the human passion that motivates it. By recognizing that even she cannot be impartial, she suggests that a different form of judgment should emerge. Another feature of modern democracy is the appointment of impartial judges, who must remain impartial and rely on facts to make decisions. In The Oresteia, the judges are appointed by Athena, in her wisdom. As Athena recognized that she is not impartial enough to take the.