Electra
Sophocles410 BCE
Sophocles wrote a revenge tragedy that strips heroism down to a single, burning obsession — a daughter's need to avenge her murdered father.
tragedyAncient Greekmoderateshort · ~1.5h
Influence
5.5/10
Popularity
4.0/10
“I am not ashamed, even if you think I am. I know my behavior is not what it should be. But your hostility forces me to act this way.”
Why It Matters
Sophocles wrote a revenge tragedy that strips heroism down to a single, burning obsession — a daughter's need to avenge her murdered father. Electra's refusal to move on, to forgive, to be reasonable, makes her one of the most unsettling characters in Greek drama. The play influenced O'Neill, Sartre, and every modern story about grief hardening into rage.
The 
Take
Personal reviewSolid telling of Orestes revenge from point of view of Electra, who is juxtaposed with her sister who just gives in.