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Agamemnon : Literary devices

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Agamemnon is a notable literary work by Aeschylus. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Agamemnon.

Literary devices

Figures of Speech 

  • Metaphor: Definition: When one thing is directly compared to another without using like or as. Example: “A house full of death.” Explanation: Here, the royal dynasty of Argos (the House of Atreus) is called “a house full of death.” This shows that the family is tainted by repeated murders, revenge, and curses. The family’s history itself becomes a metaphor for death.
  • Irony: Definition: When the outcome is the opposite of what is expected. Example: Agamemnon returns victorious from the Trojan War, yet he is murdered in his own palace. Explanation: After ten years of war and victory, Agamemnon expected peace and safety at home. The irony is that he is killed by his own wife, Clytemnestra. This is the ultimate irony of Greek tragedy, the downfall of the victor.
  • Symbolism: Definition: When an object, character, or place conveys a deeper meaning or idea.
  • Purple Carpet: Symbol of pride (hubris). Agamemnon hesitates to walk on it, but eventually does, sealing his downfall.
  • Beacon Fire: Symbol of Troy’s fall and the message of victory, but also a sign of new unrest and bloodshed.
  • House of Atreus: Symbol of hereditary curse. Generations are bound in cycles of revenge and murder.
  • Cassandra: Symbol of foreknowledge without belief. She represents human limitation and the power of fate.
  • Agamemnon: Symbol of pride, power, and injustice. Despite his victory, he cannot escape the guilt of sacrificing Iphigenia.
  • Clytemnestra: Symbol of revenge and female power. While she claims to bring justice, she herself becomes a murderer.
  • Chorus: Symbol of the people’s voice and morality. They remind the audience of divine justice, human sin, and the power of fate.

Moral Lessons from Agamemnon

  • Revenge breeds endless revenge.
  • Hubris leads to downfall.
  • Fate cannot be escaped.
  • Inherited guilt destroys generations.
  • Justice comes with suffering.