Two Complete Opposites

First off, that was not what I was expecting.  I actually laughed- and not even just a pity laugh. It was incredible how not only Sophocles, but the actors and actresses were able to lighten up an incredibly dark story.  I will admit, I enjoyed myself.  I especially was intrigued by the relationship between Chrysothemis and Electra.

Family relationships was a huge theme throughout the play.  Many I couldn’t connect with, but I felt a bond with the two sisters.  Electra and Chrysothemis were both affected by the same experience, yet were polar opposites in the way they decided to let it affect and guide their lives.  Each is trying to convince the other that they are handling the situation the wrong way.  At first, I thought Chrysothemis was very shallow and more like an evil step sister.  I realized, however, that she just takes a logos approach to the events that have happened, recognizing that unrelenting mourning will not bring about anything good.  Who’s to say hers wasn’t a better way?

Electra takes a pathos route to the situation; she feels like Chrysothemis is living a lie by acting as if nothing happened.  One of my favorite scenes was the conversation/argument between Chrysothemis and Electra.  A powerful statement by Chrysothemis explains a lot about their relationship, “It’s clear you could never bring yourself to praise my words, nor I your ways”. 

Although I do not have any siblings with this relationship, I do have some friends who just do not understand my words, and I do not understand their ways.  We both feel the other is not living the best way, and may at times argue- but when it comes down to it, I really do love them.  We see this type of relationship often in movies and in families.  Sophocles was a genius in connecting his audience then and now in being able to relate- as well as helping us to realize that our way is not the only way, nor necessarily the best.  We have to look over and accept differences in order to unite.