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The Flies Transformation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used the translation by S. Gilbert found in No Exit and Three Other Plays, published by Vintage Books in 1989.

Quote #4

THE TUTOR
Never in my life have I seen such a beard – or rather, only one: the bronze beard on the chin of Zeus Ahenobarbos at Palermo. (1.1.24)

Look at how Sartre clues us in to Zeus's real identity from the start. We're meant to suspect that both Orestes and the Tutor have an inkling that they are talking to a god, and not a mere mortal. Though both Zeus and Orestes play around with fake identities, no one is really fooled.

Quote #5

ZEUS
A good hanging now and then – that entertains folks in the provinces and robs death of its glamour… (1.1.38)

How are the deaths in The Flies portrayed – as glamorous and poetic, or harsh and realistic?

Quote #6

ELECTRA
Why are you looking at me like that?
ORESTES
You are very beautiful. Not at all like the people in these parts. (1.1.16-7)

Appearances are important in The Flies – they reflect the internal state of a character. Trace the way Electra's appearance changes throughout the course of the play.