Lexis Supplements Lexis Studies in Greek and Latin Literature | Lexis Ancient Philosophy |
Lexis Sources, Texts and Commentaries

Series | Lexis Supplements
Edited book | Il mito degli Atridi dal teatro antico all’epoca contemporanea
Chapter | Oreste di Alfieri e la redenzione impossibile

Oreste di Alfieri e la redenzione impossibile

Abstract

Vittorio Alfieri often uses ancient myths in his theatre. Amongst his most important subjects, the killing of Agamemnon and the revenge carried out by Electra and Orestes occupy a very important role. The topic was well known. Therefore, Alfieri’s originality does not consist in the use of the myth itself, but in its unprecedented treatment. The revenge carried out by Orestes becomes the way to reveal the fate that governs the actions of the author’s heroes. Agamemnon’s son has no choice. He is obsessed with the mission he must accomplish, and which gives him no respite. The blood that has been shed forces him to kill again. He suffers because of the destiny he has been doomed to and the impossibility to be free.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Oct. 20, 2022 | Accepted: Oct. 23, 2022 | Published July 7, 2023 | Language: it

Keywords TragedyOrestesMythAlfieriBlood


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