Agamemnon : Quotations
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.
Quotations
Quotes
“The scales of Justice move to show wisdom comes through suffering.” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: The chorus declares that humans cannot achieve true wisdom without enduring pain. Suffering teaches justice, humility, and respect for divine order. It reflects the tragic belief that learning comes not from joy, but from hardship.
“Old violent aggression loves to generate new troubles among evil men.” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: Violence breeds more violence. The chorus emphasizes the endless cycle of bloodshed in the House of Atreus, where old crimes lead to new ones. This theme of hereditary guilt is central to the Oresteia trilogy.
“Sing out the song of sorrow, song of grief, but let the good prevail.” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: The chorus calls upon both grief and hope. While tragedy and sorrow dominate the play, there remains a yearning for goodness and justice to prevail over evil. This shows the moral struggle at the heart of the play.
“The man who sins is sinned against, the killer pays the price.” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: This line captures the principle of justice in Greek tragedy: crime never goes unpunished. Even kings are not above divine law. Agamemnon’s killing of Iphigenia brings his own death, showing justice as inevitable.
“A house that hates the gods… house full of death, kinsmen butchered… heads chopped off…” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: This line refers to the cursed House of Atreus. The chorus describes the horrific crimes of the past, brothers killing brothers, children sacrificed, kin butchered. The house is stained with divine hatred and endless blood.
“Another man will come and will avenge us, a son who’ll kill his mother, then pay back his father’s death.” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: The chorus foreshadows the coming of Orestes, son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. He will avenge his father by killing his own mother. This prophecy reveals the cycle of revenge in the House of Atreus, where justice and crime overlap.
“It’s a house that hates gods!” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: The chorus laments the cursed House of Atreus. The crimes of past generations, betrayal, child sacrifice, and cannibalism, have angered the gods. This house stands as a symbol of hereditary guilt and divine punishment.
“Let his path be covered with purple.” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: Clytemnestra orders purple tapestries to be spread for Agamemnon’s return. Purple cloth, a luxury for gods, symbolizes pride and hubris. By walking on it, Agamemnon shows arrogance, unknowingly sealing his fate.
“…house full of death, kinsmen butchered.” – (Agamemnon)
Explanation: This line describes the bloody history of the House of Atreus. The family is cursed with murder, betrayal, and revenge. Generations have been slaughtered, making the house a symbol of endless death and tragedy.