“Where is the righteous man who has no fear? The stronger
your fear, your reverence for the just, the stronger your country’s wall and
city’s safety, stronger by far than all men else possess in Scythia’s rugged
steps or Pelops’ level plain.” (262, lines 713-717)
This passage is Athena’s final
appeal to the judges before they cast their lots. She makes it very clear that
the fear and reverence for justice is the only way a society can be maintained.
She is very concerned that justice be done in this situation, but she has not
yet said what she thinks is the correct ruling. I believe that she does this
intentionally as to not skew the results. This furthers the idea that she is
devoted to making a just call in this life and death situation. When she does
make her ruling and sides with Orestes, she does so with carefully explained
logic and experiential evidence. Then she does what she can to make things
right for the Furies by giving them a place of honor and respect. This proves
that she is a just and good judge and that her judgement is trustworthy.
I commented on Wendy and Darby's posts.
I commented on Wendy and Darby's posts.
I agree with you. Athena backs up her final ruling with what she believes to be right and true. She fights honestly for justice. She wants to do what is right for all parties.
ReplyDeleteI think that Athena means well, and I understand that she feels compassion towards Orestes. However, the question could be risen as to say whether or not she would have been for Orestes had it not been prophesied that he was to avenge his father. Maybe she would have changed her mind and her words.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting follow-up question on Ethan's part. I agree with you, Hannah, that Athena's tactic of bring in others to judge and backing her choice with good reasoning was fair and just, but I too, also wonder if her choice was influenced as well by the prophecy that Orestes would avenge his father. Had it not been prophesied, would she have chosen differently?
ReplyDeleteI think Ethan and Olivia make a good point. With the gods, nothing that fulfills prophesy shouldn't happen. If it was not prophesied, Athena may have changed her mind. In such a case would she really be just?
ReplyDelete