Summary of Agamemnon

Overview

This lecture covers the plot, main characters, key symbols, central themes, and recurring motifs in Aeschylus' play Agamemnon.

Plot Summary

• The play opens in Argos, with a watchman awaiting news of the Trojan War.
• Victory is signaled; the chorus of elders reflects on the war’s toll and asks Queen Clytemnestra for updates.
• The prophet Calchas’ prediction and Agamemnon’s sacrifice of Iphigenia are recalled.
• Clytemnestra announces Troy has fallen; the chorus laments the war’s devastation.
• Agamemnon returns with Cassandra, his war prize; Clytemnestra welcomes him and lays down a purple carpet.
• Cassandra foresees her and Agamemnon’s murders by Clytemnestra but is not believed.
• Agamemnon and Cassandra are killed; Clytemnestra claims revenge for Iphigenia’s sacrifice.
• Aegisthus, Clytemnestra’s lover, reveals the House of Atreus’ cursed history and claims power.
• The play ends with Clytemnestra and Aegisthus ruling Argos and the chorus hoping for Orestes’ return.

Main Characters

• Agamemnon: King of Argos, proud and flawed by hubris, wins the war but is killed on return.
• Clytemnestra: Agamemnon’s wife, clever and vengeful, orchestrates his murder.
• Cassandra: Trojan prophetess, can see the future but cursed so no one believes her.
• Aegisthus: Clytemnestra’s lover, seeks revenge and power, aids in Agamemnon’s murder.
• Chorus: Elders of Argos, represent citizens’ perspectives, often reflect on events and morality.

Symbols

• Nets: Represent fate and entrapment, inescapable doom surrounding characters.
• Watchdog: Symbolizes guardianship and responsibility, but also the failure of protectors.
• Purple Carpet: Symbolizes blood, wealth, and impending doom; associated with Agamemnon’s downfall.
• Birds: Metaphors for characters’ traits and fate; serve as omens from the gods.

Central Themes

• Fate: Human lives are subject to fate, but moral accountability remains important.
• Revenge vs. Justice: Cycles of vengeance continue across generations; justice is often equated with revenge.
• Righteousness vs. Evil: Characters justify actions as righteous, but others see them as evil.
• Free Will vs. Divine Control: Characters struggle to act freely under the influence of gods’ will.

Motifs

• Ships and Sailing: Symbolize journeys, hierarchy, and exile, as well as consequences of decisions.
• Prophecy: Foretelling future tragedy shapes the play; Cassandra and Calchas’ prophecies frame events.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Hubris — Excessive pride leading to downfall.
• Chorus — Group of elders offering commentary and reflection.
• Libation — Ritual pouring of liquid as offering to the gods.
• Prophecy — Prediction of future, often unavoidable, events.
• House of Atreus — Agamemnon's cursed family lineage.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review notes on key characters and their motivations.
• Read the next play in the trilogy to follow the family’s saga.
• Prepare to discuss key symbols and motifs in class.