How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
(Athena): "From far away I heard a cry summoning me from Scamander, where I was taking first possession of a land which the Achaean leaders and chieftains had assigned to me for ever, root and branch, a great portion from their captured spoils, a gift picked out for Theseus' sons. From there I have come in swift pursuit with unwearied feet, wingless and with the fold of my aegis flapping. (starting in surprise) I see strange company here for this land! I have no fear but the sight amazes me." (397-407)
The Furies are some pretty scary ladies. What do you make of the fact that Athena isn't afraid of them? Could that just be Aeschylus's way of showing us how awesome she is?
Quote #5
(Chorus of Furies): "There is a place where terror is good,
and a watch on minds by fear
seated above.
It is well
to learn wisdom through grief.
Would any that nurses no terror
in his heart's clear light—
both men and city the same—
revere Justice still?" (517-525)
When the Furies say that "It is well / to learn wisdom through grief" they are picking up a theme that has recurred throughout the trilogy so far (320-321). Here, though, they closely tie this idea to fear. Once you have suffered some horrible punishment, you're not likely to do bad things again, right?
Quote #6
(Athena): "In this place the city's reverence and the fear which is its kin will keep them from wrong-doing, by day and night alike […]." (690-692)
Here we see that Athena believes that fear has its place in maintaining order in the city. Does the fact that Athena agrees with the Furies on this point suggest that Aeschylus agrees with her? What's your take on this issue?