The Structure of Aeschylus’ Agamemnon
(by Dr. Janice Siegel, from Dr. J’s Classics: http://people.hsc.edu/drjclassics/syllabi/IH/agamemnon.shtm )
NOTE: The summary below has been tailored to match the line numbers in
Robert Fagles’ translation of Aeschylus’ Oresteia. The line numbers are
slightly different than in the original Greek text.
Prologue1-43. Sentry finally sees signal
fire signaling the end of the Trojan War
Parodos (Chorus Entrance)
44-258. Chorus (old men of Argos) gives essential background about the cause
and misery of the Trojan War, and reveals real fear about what Clytemnestra
has in store for the returning Agamemnon (specific reference to the sacrifice
of Iphigenia).
Episode I 258-356. Dialogue between Chorus
Leader and Clytemnestra: the chorus does not trust that Clytemnestra has
good information about a Greek victory.
Stasimon I 356-492. Chorus praises the gods,
discusses political unrest in Argos.
Episode II 493-682. Herald reports to Chorus
that the Greeks have won. Herald praises the gods and speaks of the horrors
of war. Clytemnestra enters briefly to say “I told you so” to
the Chorus and to announce that she will welcome Agamemnon. Exit Clytemnestra.
Stasimon II 683-794. Chorus considers the
tragedy of the feud.
Episode III 795-976. Agamemnon addresses
the Chorus: he thanks the gods. Clytemnestra addresses the Chorus in Agamemnon’s
presence: she speaks of the hardship she endured waiting for news of Agamemnon
all these years.
She then addresses Agamemnon, giving a speech renowned for its double-edged
meaning and lots of veiled references to the child he killed. She has her
servants lay out red carpets for Agamemnon, also with a double meaning.
He orders Cassandra to be given hospitality. Clytemnestra and Agamemnon
enter the palace.
Stasimon III 977-1031. Chorus reflects on
an unnamed terror they feel.
Episode IV 1032-1068. Clytemnestra reappears
and asks Cassandra inside. Cassandra does not move, and Clytemnestra, angry,
stomps inside.
Kommos 1069-1354. Cassandra reveals to the
Chorus all that will happen inside the house, as well as knowledge of the
past (Curse of the House of Atreus) and future (the vengeance of Orestes).
A priestess of Apollo, she appears practically possessed as her speech goes
on. The Chorus cannot understand that she means that Clytemnestra, a woman,
will be Agamemnon’s murderer. She enters the house to go to her doom.
Stasimon IV 1355-1368. Chorus expounds on
the evils of power. They identify Agamemnon as the recipient of his father’s
curse and bemoan the cycle of vengeance that will cause his death too to
be avenged.
Episode V 1369-1475. The Chorus running in
all different directions represents the political unrest caused by these
events. Clytemnestra reveals the body of Agamemnon, recounts the murder
and explains why she had a right to kill him.
Exodos 1476-1708. Aegisthus gives his story
of vengeance, the child-feast that is part of the Curse of the House of
Atreus. Clytemnestra stops the fight between the Chorus and Aegisthus and
his men, claiming that the cycle has come to an end. No more killing.
In 1588-1594 the Chorus explains the problem with the Mycenean system
of justice. But the Chorus has already suggested that Orestes should avenge
the murder. The play ends with Aegisthus and Clytemnestra as King and Queen
of Mycenae.
LYRIC METERS IN AGAMEMNON
(FROM PETER MEINECK ORESTEIA, INTRODUCTION BY
HELENE FOLEY)
