If you think cancel culture is a new phenomenon, think again! The ancient Greeks were way ahead of us with their own version of public shaming, and nothing illustrates this better than the story of Orestes Pursued by the Furies. This ancient play, penned by renowned tragedian Aeschylus, was first performed in 458 BC in Athens. It deals with the tumultuous aftermath of Orestes, son of Agamemnon, who kills his mother Clytemnestra as revenge for her murdering his father. Consequences abound, as this act of vengeance sends him spiraling into utter chaos, hounded by the Furies, those relentless divine punishers, representing an unyielding force demanding justice. But why revisit this ancient drama now?
It's simple: the morality parade seen in 'Orestes Pursued by the Furies' is eerily similar to today's relentless pursuit of anyone stepping out of line according to the stringent rulebook of modern social justice warriors. Here's how Orestes' plight mirrors today's unfolding drama.
Playing the Victim Card: Orestes didn’t ask for his parents' dysfunctional marriage. Yet, his actions to restore his father's honor puts him on the wrong side of a vengeful deity enforcement squad. Like so many today, he faces a relentless character assassination, enforced by those feeling morally superior, unable to see an inch of reasoning beyond their narrow ideology.
Divine Retribution: The Furies are akin to modern-day keyboard warriors. They spread discord and chaos while claiming to uphold the law. Yet, it’s really about maintaining the status quo of their own dogmatic values. As we know, such self-appointed guardians rarely serve justice so much as they serve their own power.
Misguided Justice: Orestes sought justice for Agamemnon, executing his mother Clytemnestra after she committed parricide. Still, he's pursued as if he were the greater criminal. Doesn't this echo the modern scene, where some end up being more persecuted than actual wrongdoers simply because their views align differently from mainstream narratives?
Public Court of Opinions: Just like Orestes faced public trial at the Areopagus, today people are often tried in the court of public opinion without balanced judgment or fair hearing. These kangaroo courts, both ancient and modern, are seldom interested in the truth, merely opt for the loudest complaints and most scandalous headlines. Thanks to media juggling statistics and facts to fit a preconceived narrative, justice, like ancient Greece, takes center stage as an elaborate show.
Erosion of Family Values: Ancient tragedies often serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the importance of upholding family ties and values. The betrayal within Orestes' family illustrates the disintegration of the household amid revenge and murder, a parallel to today's broken family units under societal pressure. Traditional family values, so essential and stable, face dilution as modern agendas discard them for more 'inclusive' systems that promise much yet deliver very little.
Guilt and Time: Orestes epitomizes hounded guilt through time, showing how past actions can hound individuals endlessly. Echoes are evident today where people's previous deviations, far removed from context, are unearthed and weaponized to cancel them. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Doesn't this sound like an avenue for forgiveness lost in modern discourse?
Divine Intervention: Only divine intervention by Athena stops the torment of Orestes. She offers a fair trial and a conclusion that navigates between the old and the new order. What could be more conservative than calling for adult supervision to mediate disputes escalating beyond reason? Genuine wisdom mediated by Athena serves as a mock trial for today's endless Twitter trials.
Resolution Through Balance: Athena’s solution was not to obliterate the Furies, but to incorporate them harmoniously into society. She represented the judicious blend of new thinking with revered traditions. This relates to integrating solid conservative values with societal progress. It’s common sense, people, balance! One does not need extremes to reach sensible resolutions.
Moral of the Story: The Orestes story serves as a godsend, a reminder that darkness in human nature can only be countered by light brought by individual reason and moral strength. It's still steadfast conservative values that provide sanctuary in an increasingly chaotic liberal arena.
Why It Matters: Bringing back these timeless lessons from 'Orestes Pursued by the Furies' reminds us of the perpetual, unending struggle between maintaining societal order and succumbing to mob chaos. If we continue to ignore our rich history, gendering virtue over vice, what lies ahead may echo the tumultuous path and self-justified chaos that brought the Furies upon Orestes. In learning from the past, we safeguard our future.
Reviewing Orestes' plight offers more than mere entertainment—it's a reminder of the ageless struggle between reason and chaos, order and disorder. There’s much to learn here and the narrative is more relevant now than ever. Let's hope modern-day vigilantes and keyboard Furies take note.