Write a Note on the Use of Dramatic Irony in “Agamemnon.”

Answer

Write a note on the use of dramatic irony in “Agamemnon.” 

Dramatic irony is a powerful literary device. It occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters in the play do. Dramatic irony is masterfully used by Aeschylus (525/524–456/455 BC) in his play “Agamemnon” (458 BC) to heighten the tragedy and deepen the audience’s engagement with the play.

The Audience’s Knowledge of Agamemnon’s Fate: From the very beginning of the play, Aeschylus’ audience is aware of the tragic fate that awaits Agamemnon upon his return from the Trojan War. In ancient Greece, myths and stories were well-known to the audience, so they would already be familiar with the cycle of revenge within the House of Atreus. The audience knows that Clytemnestra has been plotting to murder Agamemnon as revenge for the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia. Clytemnestra says,

that he may come with speed back home, more loved than he was loved before.

This speech seems to express her eagerness for Agamemnon’s return. However, the audience knows Clytemnestra’s words are fake, and “more loved than he was loved before” bears hidden threats for Agamemnon. The audience’s knowledge creates a sense of dramatic irony throughout the play. Agamemnon is unaware of his doom and his sense of victory is tragically ironic.

Clytemnestra’s Deceptive Hospitality: One of the most striking examples of dramatic irony in the play is Clytemnestra’s behavior toward Agamemnon when he returns home. She greets him with warm words. She honors him with praises, giving the impression of a loving and devoted wife. She even convinces him to walk on the purple tapestries, an act that Agamemnon knows could be seen as an arrogant defiance of the gods. Clytemnestra says,

Now, my beloved, come down from your chariot— but do not set on common earth the foot that trampled on Troy… Let there be spread before his feet, at once, a purple path,

The audience, however, is fully aware that her hospitality is a façade. Her words are laced with hidden meaning, and her true intention is to lead him to his death. This contrast between what Clytemnestra says and what she truly means is a classic use of dramatic irony.

Cassandra’s Prophecies: Cassandra, who is brought to Argos as Agamemnon’s concubine (sex slave), plays a significant role in the use of dramatic irony. She possesses the gift of prophecy but is cursed by Apollo so that no one believes her predictions. Cassandra foresees:

No! No! What is this vision? Some net of death? It’s closing in… The house is reeking with blood— it drips all over the place!

When she foresees the murder of Agamemnon and herself, her warnings are ignored. The audience knows that her prophecies are accurate, but the characters dismiss her as mad. The audience watches in frustration and pity, knowing that the disaster could be avoided if only Cassandra were believed.

Agamemnon’s Ignorance and Hubris: Agamemnon’s own ignorance adds another layer of dramatic irony. He is proud of his achievements in the Trojan War and believes that he is returning home in triumph. He does not suspect that his wife, whom he trusts, is plotting his death. His confidence and arrogance make the audience feel both pity and fear, which are key emotions in a Greek tragedy. Agamemnon’s ignorance is a significant dramatic irony, making him a tragic character.

To wrap up, the use of dramatic irony in “Agamemnon” intensifies the tragic atmosphere of the play. By allowing the audience to know more than the characters, Aeschylus engages the viewers in a way that amplifies the emotional impact of the story.