In "The Libation Bearers," both Orestes and his mother, Clytemnestra, experience a range of revealing emotions before their imminent conflict.
Even though Apollo has encouraged Orestes to avenge his father and ensured his safety from punishment, Clytemnestra's son still has doubt. In the last minute, Orestes needs extra assurance of his friend, asking "What shall I do, Pylades? Be shamed to kill my mother" (124). For even though Apollo, as well as Pylades and the Chorus see Orestes' revenge as necessary and just, he has also to fathom the law against matricide and its curse. Orestes is conflicted, not only because of his horrible duty, but because of two forces that cannot be reconciled. Nevertheless, Orestes later gains the courage to carry out the deed with dignity: "Yes, this is death, your wages for my fathers fate" (126). Orestes must leave behind qualms, and instead choose a side and justify it. Orestes is an impulsive, uncertain character.
Clytemnestra shows a greater range of emotions than Orestes - not just from hesitant to certain. Clytemnestra first is portrayed as weak, sad and motherly: "Oh take pity, child, before this breast / where many a time, a drowsing baby, you would feed" (124). Clytemnestra's technique moves from innocent and miserable, to somewhat guilty and logical, partially blaming "destiny" for Agamemnon's death (125). As death approaches, Clytemnestra changes her manner to angry and cold: "Take care. Your mother's curse, like dogs, will drag you down" (126). As Clytemnestra's death becomes more and more apparent, she almost becomes less fearful. Clytemnestra's motherly and innocent affectations fade, while she accepts more and more blame for killing Agamemnon. As well, Clytemnestra's feeling of distance from her Orestes turns into a feeling of hatred for him. In her last conversation with Orestes, as Clytemnestra accepts fate feelings of hatred for her son and pride in the murder of her husband are expressed.
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