Play 2, Part 3 (p. 183-190) Summary

This section of the play takes place in front of the palace. Orestes and Pylades come in, crying out for Aegisthus and claiming they have important news. Clytemnestra appears and asks what they want. Orestes tells her they are wandering "strangers," that they've brought news that "Orestes is no more," and that they want to know whether "his" body is to be brought back home or whether he is to be buried where he fell. Clytemnestra cries out in grief, saying that Orestes was the family's last chance to break the curse placed upon it. The "stranger" apologizes for bringing bad news, but Clytemnestra assures him that he and his friend will be welcomed and treated with the same respect that any other traveler would be.

As Clytemnestra takes the "strangers" into the house, the Chorus appears...