Sketch the Character of Clytemnestra

Answer

Sketch the character of Clytemnestra. 

Clytemnestra is one of the most compelling and complex characters in Greek tragedy. As the queen of Argos and the wife of Agamemnon, she stands out as a woman who defies traditional gender roles. Throughout the play “Agamemnon” (458 BC) by Aeschylus (525/524–456/455 BC), Clytemnestra emerges as a central figure driven by both personal pain and a desire for justice.

A Woman of Power and Intelligence: Clytemnestra is portrayed as a strong and independent woman. In a society dominated by men, she takes control of Argos during her husband’s absence in the Trojan War. Her rule is marked by cunning and intelligence. When the Chorus questions her knowledge about the fall of Troy, she confidently explains the system of signal fires she devised to quickly receive news. This demonstrates her foresight and strategic thinking, qualities that were typically associated with men in ancient Greek society.

Motivation for Revenge: Clytemnestra’s actions are largely driven by revenge. In the play, she kills her husband, Agamemon. The most significant motive for her is the sacrifice of her daughter, Iphigenia, by Agamemnon. Before setting sail for Troy, Agamemnon sacrificed their daughter to appease the goddess Artemis and secure favorable winds for his fleet. Clytemnestra says,

New blood spurts out before the old wound heals,

This line shows her revengeful attitude. She views Agamemnon’s return not as a moment of reunion but as an opportunity to avenge her daughter’s death. Her thirst for revenge is so intense that she plots his murder for years, patiently waiting for the right moment.

A Complex Morality: While Clytemnestra’s desire for revenge is understandable, her morality is ambiguous. On one hand, she seeks justice for her daughter’s death. On the other hand, her actions are corrupted by her own infidelity and alliance with Aegisthus, Agamemnon’s cousin and enemy. After killing Agamemnon, she claims to have acted on behalf of justice, but her relationship with Aegisthus complicates this claim. After murdering her husband, Clytemnestra says,

The form of this corpse’s wife was taken on by the ancient savage spirit of revenge.

Here, Clytemnestra tries to justify her actions by claiming that a greater force of vengeance drove her to commit the murder. However, her reasoning is both self-serving and morally ambiguous.

Manipulative and Deceptive Nature: Clytemnestra is skilled at hiding her true intentions. She pretends to be a loyal and loving wife, welcoming Agamemnon home with elaborate praises and ceremonies. She convinces him to walk on a carpet of purple tapestries, which symbolizes arrogance and invites divine punishment. Agamemnon initially resists, knowing it could anger the gods, but Clytemnestra’s persuasion wins him over. When Clytemnestra says:

There is the sea. Who will drain it dry?

She manipulates Agamemnon into walking on the purple tapestries by implying that their wealth is endless. This scene shows her ability to manipulate even the most powerful men, using her charm and cunning to achieve her goals.

Defying Gender Roles: In ancient Greek society, women were expected to be submissive and silent, but Clytemnestra defies these expectations. She takes on a role that is typically reserved for men: acting as a ruler, plotting and executing a murder with precision. The Chorus questions:

Isn’t that just like a woman’s heart, to get so jubilant?

In this line, the Chorus doubts Clytemnestra’s authority and intelligence. The Chorus, representing the traditional views of society, is shocked by her actions and criticizes her for acting like a man, which Clytemnestra cares little about.

In conclusion, Clytemnestra is a character shaped by pain, power, and a complex sense of justice. She embodies the themes of revenge, fate, and gender roles central to “Agamemnon”. Through her character, Aeschylus explores the dark consequences of vengeance and the complexities of human motivations.