This course will compare Aeschylus’ “Oresteian Trilogy” to Jean-Paul Sartre’s “The Flies”.  Originally written in the 5th century BCE, the trilogy tells us the story of what happened after the sacking of Troy and the demise that befell Agamemnon who was murdered by his own wife, Clytemnestra, after returning home from the war. Enraged by his mother’s actions, Orestes does the unspeakable and kills his mother, Clytemnestra. What crime could possibly cause greater offence to the laws and the furies than matricide? Orestes is forever condemned to be tormented by the furies. 

What relevance would a play about matricide have with the rising democracy of Athens? Wouldn’t a proposal outlining new laws to replace the old laws have sufficed? What were Aeschylus’ considerations that led him to use a court trial to seal Orestes’ fate? 

Centuries later, Sartre reconceives his predecessor’s play. Why would Sartre take an archaic play and rewrite it for a 20th century audience? Was Orestes’ journey an adequate platform for Sartre to express his ideas about existentialism? Were Sartre’s conclusions about Orestes’ predicament different from Aeschylus’? Are both plays radically different or are there some similarities? These are some questions we’ll explore together.

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 16 students and that TMI does not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater or Online

First Session: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

Course Length: 12 weeks, Wednesdays, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Discussion Team: Martin Marquis, Rina Kampeas, Jim Queen

Degree Credit: 3 credits

Total Course Fee: 
$140.00 (New Students)
$140.00 (Special Bring-A-Friend Promotion: For Returning Students who bring a New Student to TMI. Register by phone.)*
$200.00 (Returning Students)**

*Note on Bring-A-Friend Promotion for Returning Students: The special 140.00 price is applied immediately if the friend, the New Student, registers first. If the New Student has not yet registered, the regular 200.00 will be charged, and the discount will be refunded when the New Student registers. The discount can also be turned into a credit for a future course.

**Includes Standard Tuition + Admin Fee.

For 12-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the second session. If the participant withdraws after the second course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the third course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.