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Overview
The Flies is a play by existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre that was first performed in 1943
. The play is a reimagining of the Greek myth of Orestes and Electra, with Orestes returning to his hometown of Argos to avenge his father’s murder by his mother and her lover. Sartre explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and the consequences of inaction, emphasizing existentialist principles. The play challenges societal norms and encourages individuals to reject conformity, making bold choices in the face of existential dilemmas.Read the a full play summary, an in-depth character analysis of Orestes, and explanations of important quotes from The Flies. Or, learn more by studying SparkNotes guides to other works by Jean-Paul Sartre.
