Hi. I need to write an analytical essay on the relationship of the Iliad and The Odyssey to the Oresteia, that explains how Aeschylus seems to be using those epics and their surrounding mythologies in his own trilogy of plays on the plight of the House of Atreus.

Im not looking for a long answer, just something to get me started, as I have never read the Iliad and the Odyssey and have no idea where to begin this essay.

Aeschylus undoubtedly was using those epics and the mythology involved, mostly because just about all educated (and many uneducated) Athenians in that time were very familiar with all those legends and stories.

You might concentrate on Agamemnon as one of the primary unifying characters among these works. You might also write about how he is (or isn't!) portrayed differently in each one.

For instance, in Iliad, Agamemnon is portrayed as the strong leader of all the Greek troops, even though each group of Greeks (Athenians, Spartans, Thebans, et al) had its own leader, too. Why was this? What characteristics did he have that other warriors and their leaders would grant him that status?

Go to (Broken Link Removed) find Iliad, and read about the different characters in the character analysis section. Then do the same thing for Odyssey; and the same for each play in the Oresteia.

Agamemnon is central here. He is a very strong son of the House of Atreus. What does he represent? What is good about his character traits? What isn't? How does he use these traits to his advantage? Is he good for his own people? For the Greeks as a group?

There are also these sites that may help:
http://www.theatrehistory.com/ancient/bates021.html

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/agamemnon.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliad

=)

To begin your essay on the relationship between the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Oresteia, it is important to understand the context in which Aeschylus wrote his trilogy of plays on the House of Atreus. Aeschylus lived in Ancient Greece, a society deeply steeped in myth and legends. The Iliad and the Odyssey, written by Homer, were foundational texts that every educated Greek would have been familiar with.

To start, focus on Agamemnon, one of the primary characters in Aeschylus' plays, who appears in both the Iliad and the Odyssey. In the Iliad, Agamemnon is portrayed as a strong leader and the commander-in-chief of the Greek troops. Despite the presence of other Greek leaders, Agamemnon holds a significant position. This raises questions about his qualities and characteristics that grant him this status among the Greek warriors and their leaders.

To explore this further, you can use online resources like SparkNotes or CliffsNotes to access character analysis sections on Agamemnon in the Iliad and the Odyssey. Understanding how his character is depicted differently in each work can shed light on his role and significance within the overall narrative.

Furthermore, Agamemnon's role as a member of the House of Atreus is crucial to understanding his character in relation to Aeschylus' plays. Analyze what Agamemnon represents and the traits he embodies. Consider both the positive and negative aspects of his character and how they affect his actions and interactions with other characters.

In addition to the Iliad and the Odyssey, you can also reference other sources such as the websites listed in the response, like theatrehistory.com, pantheon.org, and even Wikipedia. These resources can provide additional information and insights on Agamemnon and the mythology surrounding him.

By delving into Agamemnon's portrayal in the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Oresteia, you can begin to unravel the complex relationship between these texts and how Aeschylus utilizes the myths and characters to explore the plight of the House of Atreus. Remember, this is just a starting point, and you can expand and refine your analysis as you explore the texts more deeply.