Write a short note on Cassandra as you found in “Agamemnon.”
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.
Answer
Write a short note on Cassandra as you found in “Agamemnon.” [NU: 2015, 18, 20, 22] ★★★
Or, Who was Cassandra, and how did she die? [NU: 2017]
In “Agamemnon” (458 BC), Aeschylus (525/524–456/455 BC) presents Cassandra as a tragic figure. She is a Trojan princess and prophetess cursed by Apollo. Her character adds depth to the play’s tragic mood and highlights themes of fate, prophecy, and human suffering.
Prophetess with a Curse: Cassandra is blessed with the gift of prophecy. But Apollo curses her, so no one believes her visions. This curse makes her suffer greatly. She sees the truth clearly but is mocked as mad. Her tragedy begins with this divine curse.
“A house that hates the gods ….a place dripping with blood”
Slave and Victim: After Troy’s fall, Cassandra is taken by Agamemnon. She becomes his concubine and is brought to Argos as a slave. This shows her fall from a princess to a captive. Her fate reflects the cruelty of war and female suffering.
Foreteller Of Doom: In Argos, Cassandra foresees Agamemnon’s murder by Clytemnestra. She also predicts her own death. She sees the family curse of the House of Atreus. Her words are ignored by all. The audience feels deep pity and fear.
Martyr of Fate: Finally, Cassandra accepts her death bravely. She enters the palace knowing she will be killed. Her courage makes her stand out as noble. She represents the helpless victim of fate and divine punishment.Thus, Cassandra is a tragic prophetess cursed by Apollo. She suffers disbelief, slavery, and violent death. Her role deepens the tragedy of “Agamemnon” and reflects fate, suffering, and the cruelty of human destiny.