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| Character | Clytemnestra | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Female | |
| Age Range(s) | Adult (36-50) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | Scolding, Persuasive, Descriptive, Lamenting, Speech, Reminiscing life story/Telling a story | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Period | Ancient Greek | |
| Genre | Tragedy, Drama | |
| Description | Clytemnestra justifies her actions | |
Summary
The story of the play focuses on the revenge by Clytemnestra on her husband Agamemnon. Agamemnon is the King of Argos and one of the generals in the Trojan war against Troy. Clytemnestra awaits for the return of her husband from the war so that she can kill him for having sacrificed their daughter Iphigenia during the war. When Agamemnon and his concubine Cassandra come back from the war they are eventually killed by Clytmenestra with the help of her lover Aegisthus.
In this scene Clytemnestra has just killed Agamemnon and has dumped his body next to the alter. The Chorus criticizes her actions and in this monologue she describes the murder tries to justify it.
In this scene Clytemnestra has just killed Agamemnon and has dumped his body next to the alter. The Chorus criticizes her actions and in this monologue she describes the murder tries to justify it.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
|---|
| CLYTEMNESTRA: Though much to suit the times before was said, It shames me not the opposite to speak: For, plotting against foes,--our seeming friends,-- How else contrive with Ruin's wily snare, Too high to overleap, to fence them round? To me, not mindless of an ancient feud, Hath come at last this contest;--late indeed. The deed achieved, here stand I, where I slew. So was it wrought (and this I'll not deny), That he could neither 'scape, nor ward his doom; Around him, like a fish-encircling net, This garment's deadly splendour did I cast;-- Him twice I smote, and he, with twofold groan, His limbs relaxed;--then, prostrate where he lay, Him with third blow I dowered, votive gift To nether Hades, saviour of the dead. Thus as he fell he chafed his soul away; And gurgling forth the swift death-tide of blood, He smites me with black drops of gory dew, Not less exultant than, with heaven-sent joy The corn-sown land, in birth-hour of the ear. For this great issue, Argive Senators, Joy ye, if joy ye can, but I exult. Nay, o'er the slain were off'rings meet,--with right Here were they poured,--with emphasis of right. Such goblets having filled with cursed ills At home,--himself on his return drains off. Me thou dost doom to exile,--to endure The people's hate, their curse deep-muttered,--thou, Who 'gainst this man of yore hadst naught to urge. He, all unmoved, as though brute life he quenched, The while his fleecy pastures teem'd with flocks, His own child slaughtered,--of my travail throes To me the dearest,--charm for Thracian blasts. Him shouldst thou not have chased from land and home Just guerdon for foul deed? Stern judge thou art When me thou dost arraign;--but, mark my words, (Nerved as I am to threat on equal terms,) If with strong hand ye conquer me, then rule;-- But should the god decree the opposite, Though late, to sober sense shalt thou be schooled. |
