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, the House of Atreus is cursed.

Clytemnestra develops an affair with Aegisthus, who is Agamemnon’s cousin and Thyestes’ son. She plots with Aegisthus and kills Agamemnon, which serves double revenge- Clytemnestra’s revenge for her daughter, Iphigenia, and Ageisthus’ revenge on the House of Atreus. Agamemnon demise can be seen as predestined because the House of Atrus is crushed to meet their doom inevitably. Cassandra’s prophecy even foretells the upcoming events, emphasizing the powerful role of fate –

Another man will come and will avenge us, a son who’ll kill his mother, then pay back his father’s death,

Catharsis: One of the essential purposes of Greek tragedy is to evoke catharsis, which is the purging (cleansing) of emotions such as pity and fear in the audience. In “Agamemnon,” the audience feels pity for Agamemnon because, despite his flaws, he is caught in a web of fate. The Chorus expresses the sorrow and grief that accompany the tragic events.

Sing out the song of sorrow, song of grief, but let the good prevail.

The audience also experiences fear because Agamemnon’s story is a reminder of how easily power and pride can lead to ruin. His fall is not only the result of his own decisions but also the outcome of forces beyond his control, such as the curse on his family and the wrath of the gods.

Agamemnon is a classic example of a tragic hero in Greek literature. His noble status, tragic flaw of hubris, and the role of fate combine to bring about his downfall. Through his story, Aeschylus explores the themes of pride, fate, and the consequences of human actions, making “Agamemnon” a timeless Greek tragedy.