How does the chorus feel about Clytemnestra?

The Chorus calls Clytemnestra ambitious and arrogant. Unfazed, Clytemnestra interrupts them and goes on to reveal that Agamemnon’s cousin Aegisthus is her lover.

How does the chorus treat Clytemnestra?

The chorus approach Clytemnestra recognising her ‘royal authority; for it is fitting to do homage to the consort of a sovereign prince when her husband’s throne is empty’ (Agamemnon 258-60).

What does the chorus say of Helen’s beauty?

The Chorus sings of the terrible destructive power of Helen’s beauty. She tells the Chorus that they will see their king dead, says that she will die as well, and then predicts that an avenger will come. After these bold predictions, she seems resigned to her fate, and enters the house.

What does the chorus claim Clytemnestra is lying to the Herald about?

Although she claims loyalty to her husband, the herald seems to question the words she speaks. The chorus, then, states that truth lies in interpretation. Clytemnestra, in fact, has not been loyal. Instead, while her husband was fighting the Trojans, she had an affair with Aegisthus.

Is Clytemnestra a hero?

Two of the most famous Greek tragic heroes (heroines) were Medea and Clytemnestra. They share characteristics Aristotle deemed essential for the heroic character in a tragedy. They are both of high rank. Medea is a princess and a sorceress, and Clytemnestra was the de facto ruler of Argos in Agamemnon’s absence.

Did King Agamemnon kill his daughter?

Agamemnon killed a deer which upset Artemis. Artemis then stopped the wind, which stopped his ships from sailing. Agamemnon had to sacrifice his daughter in order to have Artemis restart the wind so the ships could sail again to Troy.

What kind of woman is Clytemnestra?

Clytemnestra is decisive, resolute, and aggressive, and her femininity is often called into question. However, she is able mask her anger in public moments in order to carry out her revenge plot. The nobility of her revenge is complicated by her affair with Aegisthus.

What sort of woman is Clytemnestra?

Electra tells us that Clytemnestra is a cruel, pitiless, woman, a killer of her own husband who deserves to be punished for her actions. According to Electra, Clytemnestra killed Agamemnon so that she could be with Aegisthus.

Where Agamemnon is hailed most powerful leader?

With the assistance of the forces of Sparta Agamemnon would retake the throne of Mycenae, whilst Menelaus was made heir to the throne of Sparta. As king of Mycenae, Agamemnon increased the size and power of the kingdom through conquest, and soon Agamemnon was recognised as the most powerful king in Ancient Greece.

What Helen of Troy’s face did to 1000 ships?

The face that launched a thousand ships refers to Helen of Troy, describing the fact that a massive war was mounted on her behalf. Helen of Troy might also be called Helen of Sparta, as she was the wife of King Menelaus of Mycenaean Sparta. Paris, Prince of Troy, stole her.

Why is Helen the most beautiful woman?

Helen resembled the immortal goddesses in her appearance and was called the “most beautiful woman in the world” by goddess Aphrodite. The ancient Greek poet Homer depicts Helen in the Iliad as fair-faced and beautifully dressed. However, Helen described herself as “dog-eyed” (“kynopis” in ancient Greek).

Why is Helen blamed for Trojan War?

Menelaus of Mycenae, whose main claim to fame was his wealth, won Helen as his wife. He chose Aphrodite, goddess of love, because she promised him Helen as a reward—the only problem being that Helen was married already. The abduction of Helen caused the Trojan War.

What news does the Herald bring to the people of Argos?

Commentary. The Herald is another of Aeschylus’ carefully depicted minor characters. In terms of the plot, he exists only to bring news of Agamemnon’s impending arrival, but his passionate delight in returning home and his bitter account of the horrors of the Trojan War make him a sympathetic character.

How does Clytemnestra kill Agamemnon?

Clytemnestra waited until he was in the bath, and then entangled him in a cloth net and stabbed him. Trapped in the web, Agamemnon could neither escape nor resist his murderer. Meanwhile, Cassandra saw a vision of herself and Agamemnon being murdered.

Why does the chorus ask the Herald where Menelaus is?

The Chorus asks what has happened to Menelaus ‘ half of the Greek fleet. The Herald says that a storm hit them on the return journey and that Menelaus and his men are missing. He is not sure of their fate, however, and would rather not ruin the celebratory atmosphere in Argos with unconfirmed bad news.