Evaluate Agamemnon as a Tragic Hero

Answer

Evaluate Agamemnon as a tragic hero. 

Agamemnon, the central character in Aeschylus’s (525/524–456/455 BC) play “Agamemnon” (458 BC), embodies the qualities of a tragic hero as defined in classical Greek tragedy. A tragic hero is a noble character with admirable qualities who experiences a downfall due to a tragic flaw (hamartia) and the consequences of fate. Agamemnon fits this description through his high status, inherent flaws, and the catastrophic end that befalls him.

Noble Status and Leadership: Agamemnon begins the play as a king returning victorious from the Trojan War. He is the ruler of Argos and is celebrated for leading the Greeks to victory. As a king and military leader, he holds great power and commands respect. His high status is crucial in defining him as a tragic hero because Greek tragedies often involve characters who are kings or nobles.

The Flaw of Hubris (Pride): Agamemnon’s tragic flaw is his hubris- excessive pride. In Greek tragedies, hubris often leads to a character’s downfall, and Agamemnon is no exception. Despite his attempts to appear humble, he ultimately succumbs to arrogance. This is evident when he agrees to walk on the purple tapestries that Clytemnestra lays out for him. Initially, he resists, recognizing that such a display could be seen as an insult to the gods, who dislike arrogance. Agamemnon says,

For a mortal man to place his foot like this

on rich embroidery is, in my view,

not without some risk. So I’m telling you

honour me as a man, not as a god.

Yet, Clytemnestra’s persuasion leads him to commit this act of hubris, which signals his disrespect for divine authority.

The Role of Fate: In Greek tragedy, fate plays a significant role, and Agamemnon’s life is no exception. He is a member of the cursed House of Atreus, which has been plagued by violence and revenge for generations. Agamemnon’s father, Atreus, had once killed the children of his brother Thyestes and served them as food. As a result,