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,

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