Evolution of Dike in the “Father of Tragedy“

Abstract

The authors in this paper analyse dike as the central term of Aeschylus’ Oresteia, being on the standing point that this trilogy, in rudiment form, represents almost the entire evolutionary path of the Hellenic understanding of justice. The regularity and rhythm of this evolution can be followed starting from the occurrence of morality-based justice in Agamemnon and The Libation Bearers, where it is manifested by the means of lex talionis. In The Libation Bearers and The Eumenides it is shown, however, that there are also different comprehensions of justice. The judgment i.e. justice is made through cooperation of gods and humans, following a trial in front of Areopagus. Aeschylus does not deprive justice entirely of divine legitimization, however it is still established based on the voting of jury members after both sides have presented their arguments, which indicates that there are elements of the legal form of justice. In general, the authors conclude, the overall atmosphere in The Libation Bearers, and particularly in The Eumenides, in which personal decision making and reasoning is emphasized, indicates the forthcoming pointing out of the principle of human subjectivity, which will subsequently bring about the so called individual justice.