Libation Bearers Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory

Nets

Netting is an important image in Agamemnon, the first play in Aeschylus's Oresteia trilogy, where it symbolizes the constricting power of fate. Netting is also used to trap Agamemnon when he is in his bath, just before he is stabbed to death. This same net appears at the end of Libation Bearers, when Orestes commands the house servants to hold it up as evidence of the earlier crime. This time around, it also serves as an image of entrapment. Orestes is trapped by fate in much the same way that his mother and father were before him.

Gorgons

Gorgons were seriously ugly ladies from Greek mythology, best known for having snakes for hair and being able to turn anyone who looked into their eyes to stone. You can read more about them here. The most famous Gorgon was Medusa, who was killed by a hero named Perseus.

At several points in Libation Bearers (835, 1048a), characters refer to Clytemnestra as a Gorgon. Also, at lines 831-832, the Chorus tells Orestes that "[You must be brave], and in your heart / keep up the courage of Perseus." What these references are getting at is clear: Clytemnestra is one mean lady.

It is also possible that, by bringing to mind the Gorgons' power to turn people who look at them to stone, the Chorus is warning Orestes not to be frozen into inaction when he confronts his mother. Of course, Clytemnestra doesn't really have magical powers, but she does try to use persuasion and emotional appeals to freeze her avenging son in his tracks.