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The Oresteia - Online Term Paper

The Oresteia

contains a string of bloody acts, all resulting from one conflicted decision. Because of this decision, Iphigeneia dies, Agamemnon dies, and Clytaemestra dies. The bloodshed is tragic because the slaughtering is all within one family. The decision that provokes the other decisions is Agamemnon's settlement on sacrificing Iphigeneia. As a result of this sacrifice, Artemis allows the Greek army, whom she had been holding on the shore, to begin their journey to sack Troy. Agamemnon's dilemma, which had two unfavorable options and multiple consequences on either side, deserved more contemplation than was given.
Should he kill his daughter and continue on to Troy, or should he let his ...

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kill my daughter, so it looks like the trip is off." Not only is he going to look cowardly in front of his men, he is also going to look like a bad king who does not have the best interests of his people in mind. To those soldiers, the death of Agamemnon's daughter is merely a stepping stone in their quest to overthrow Troy. Agamemnon has the same warrior-mentality as his soldiers when it comes to making the decision, as evidenced by his thoughts: "How shall I fail my ships and lose my faith of battle? For them to urge such sacrifice of innocent blood angrily, for their wrath is great-it is right. May all be well yet" (Aeschylus, 212-216).
Agamemnon is clearly letting his passion for honor on the battlefield prevail over his love for Iphigeneia. This is understandable though, because back then the woman was not nearly as important as honor and glory on the front. If he had been in a rational state of mind, he would have sat down and recognized the implications of his decision. ...

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The Oresteia. (2004, April 30). Retrieved February 16, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Oresteia/7083

"The Oresteia." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 30 Apr. 2004. Web. 16 Feb. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Oresteia/7083>

"The Oresteia." Essayworld.com. April 30, 2004. Accessed February 16, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Oresteia/7083.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 4/30/2004 07:30:32 PM
Category: English
Type: Free Paper
Words: 1035
Pages: 4

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