Lecythia and the Justice of Zeus in Aeschylus "Oresteia"

Abstract

RECENTLY WILLIAM SCOTT HAS SUGGESTED (36-38 and passim) that in the lyric odes of Aeschylus' Oresteia two meters have important thematic functions: the trochaic colon called the lecythion (x ~ -) is associated with the just order of the universe maintained by Zeus, while iambic rhythm is associated with the sequence of sin and punishment. Although to my mind, at least, the thematic significance of the latter remains questionable, Aeschylus' emphatic use of lecythia (not often a dominant or even prominent rhythm in tragic lyric systems) is indeed remarkable, and plausibly significant for the development of ideas and attitudes throughout the trilogy. Unlike Professor Scott, however, who even among the lecythia of the Zeus Hymn emphasizes Aeschylus' optimism and mankind's hope for betterment, I would like to suggest that lecythia in the Oresteia typically accompany manifestations or threats of a conspicuously harsh divine justice characterized by violence, human suffering, and death. Indeed for the greater