What major theme is explored in the Eumenides?

In "The Eumenides," a significant theme that is explored is the nature of justice. This play, the third part of Aeschylus's Oresteia trilogy, addresses the transition from personal retribution to a structured legal system. The characters grapple with conflicting notions of justice—particularly, the primitive idea of blood vengeance represented by the Furies and the rational, communal understanding of justice symbolized by Athena and the court she establishes.

As the play unfolds, it examines how justice evolves in society, moving from individual retaliation to a system governed by laws and societal consensus. The trial of Orestes serves as a central event, showcasing the complexities of legal adjudication. Athena's decision not only reflects a new form of justice but also symbolizes the potential for resolution and harmony in a society transitioning from chaos.

In this context, the theme of justice encapsulates the larger philosophical questions about fairness, morality, and order that permeate the narrative, making it a focal point of the Eumenides.