The Electra of Euripides: Translated into English Rhyming Verse

A classic ancient tragedy written in the early 5th century BC. The play centers around Electra, the daughter of Agamemnon, as she grapples with her tumultuous emotions and the looming vengeance for her father's murder at the hands of her mother, Clytemnestra, and her mother's lover, Aegisthus. The narrative delves into themes of revenge, justice, and the psychological consequences of familial betrayal. The opening of the play establishes a somber and oppressive atmosphere as a peasant reflects on the tragic history surrounding the house of Agamemnon. As morning breaks, Electra emerges in mourning garb, showcasing her despair over her lost royal status and the continuing torment inflicted by her mother. Through her dialogue with the peasant, it becomes clear that she longs for her brother Orestes, who remains in exile. Their conversations reveal Electra's deep anguish and determination to seek revenge for her father's murder. The arrival of Orestes, disguised and burdened by his own exiled existence, hints at the unfolding plot of retribution, setting the stage for the dramatic conflicts to come.