Agamemnon by Aeschylus | Exodos | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Clytemnestra seeks revenge on her husband Agamemnon, whom she believes to have betrayed her, leading to a dramatic chain of events in the name of justice.

Key Insights

• ❓ Clytemnestra's thirst for revenge stems from years of perceived betrayal by Agamemnon, including his unfaithfulness and the sacrifice of their daughter.
• 🧑‍🏭 The chorus blames various factors, such as Helen's role in triggering the Trojan War and the generational curse of the house of Atreus, for Agamemnon's fate.
• 🙂 A Justice's desire for vengeance and the parallels between his actions and those of his father, Thyestes, shed light on the cyclic nature of violence within the family.
• ✊ The confrontation highlights the power struggle between justice and revenge, with Clytemnestra attempting to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.

Transcript

in the exodus of Agamemnon the palace doors open and there stands Clytemnestra covered in blood beside the dead bodies of agamemnon and cassandra Clytemnestra reveals she lied to suit her agenda she's been angry with Agamemnon for years claiming he faked his love having stabbed him three times Clytemnestra feels triumphant and holds agamemnon respo... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does Clytemnestra kill Agamemnon?

Clytemnestra seeks revenge on Agamemnon for his past infidelities and the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia. She views his death as an act of justice for her own suffering.

Q: What does the chorus blame for Agamemnon's death?

The chorus holds Helen, Clytemnestra, and the curse of the house of Atreus responsible for Agamemnon's demise. They believe these factors led to a chain of bloodshed.

Q: Who is A Justice, and why does he celebrate Agamemnon's death?

A Justice is seeking revenge for the exile and mistreatment of his father, Thyestes, by the house of Atreus. He sees Agamemnon's death as a form of justice and a way to avenge his family.

Q: What is the outcome of the confrontation between the chorus and A Justice?

The confrontation escalates, with A Justice threatening to enslave the chorus members. Clytemnestra intervenes to prevent further bloodshed and the chorus reluctantly disperses.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Clytemnestra reveals her true agenda and murders Agamemnon and Cassandra, citing past grievances and claiming it as an act of justice.

• The chorus mourns Agamemnon's death and blames Helen, Clytemnestra, and the curse of the house of Atreus.

• A Justice enters, celebrating the treachery and avenging his family, leading to a tense confrontation with the chorus.