Analysis

The weakness of the moral position represented by the Furies is shown by the prediction in the last lines of this ode that Orestes will be killed by a member of his own family. The only solution the Furies can visualize is one in which the law of blood revenge is applied absolutely, without compassion or understanding. Each succeeding avenger will himself become, like Orestes, a victim of revenge, and the curse will haunt the family forever. The conception of justice held by the Furies is based on strict enforcement of the letter of the law — it has no place for investigation of circumstances, motives, or consequences, no flexibility, and no sense of proportion.