Play 2, Part 4 (9.190-196) Summary

Orestes is revealed, standing over the body of Aegisthus. Clytemnestra cries out in grief; Orestes speaks sharply to her, and Clytemnestra suddenly recognizes him, pleading with him to remember that she's his mother in language that clearly echoes the imagery of her dream (see "Quotes", p. 190). Orestes asks Pylades for advice - should he kill his mother or have mercy on her? Pylades, in his only speech in the play, reminds Orestes that the Oracle told him that he must take revenge. Orestes thanks him for the reminder and proclaims that he will kill Clytemnestra, so that she lies with Aegisthus in death as she lay with him in life. In short terse sentences, Clytemnestra pleads for her life, angry and defiant and imploring by turns. Orestes, however, reminds her of all the sins she's committed, saying it's those...