How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
(Prophetess): "Next, with invocations to Pleistus' waters, to mighty Poseidon and to Zeus most high, the fulfiller, I go to take my seat on the throne as prophetess. And now I wish they may grant me better success by far than at my entrances before. If there are any here from among the Greeks, let them come as the lot assigns them, in the normal way; for I give my prophecies as the god may lead me." (27-33)
In these words, the Prophetess reveals that her prophecies are in accordance with the will of the god. Does this mean that she gives information about what is fated? If so, do people have free will in choosing to obey, or disobey, her?
Quote #2
(Apollo): "The fact is, I did persuade you to kill your own mother! Remember that; do not let fear overcome your mind." (84, 88; in some editions and translations of the play, these two lines are separated by Orestes's words at 85-87; in the Collard translation we use, however, they're brought together.)
Here, Apollo reminds Orestes that he "persuaded" Orestes to kill his own mother. What does this statement say about Orestes's free will in the matter? How would this be different if, instead of "persuade," Apollo had used a word like "instructed" or "suggested"?
Quote #3
(Chorus of Furies): "A prophet with pollution sitting at his hearth,
he tainted its inmost place at his own urge, at his own call;
his honour of men against the gods' law
has also destroyed the Fates so ancient in birth." (169-172)
Now things are getting complicated. The Chorus of Furies is talking about somebody who has "destroyed the Fates" (172). But how the heck can you do that? Well, it helps if you're a god—and it just so happens that the Furies are talking about the god Apollo, giving him a hard time because he welcomed "pollution" (i.e. Orestes) into his temple (169). If gods can act against the Fates, does that mean that ordinary mortals can too?