How Would you Justify Clytemnestra’s Murder of her Husband, 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
How would you justify Clytemnestra’s murder of her husband, Agamemnon? Give your own reasons for your answer.
Clytemnestra’s murder of her husband, Agamemnon, in Aeschylus’s (525/524–456/455 BC) play “Agamemnon” (458 BC) is a deeply complex and controversial act. While murder is generally considered morally wrong, there are specific reasons that could justify Clytemnestra’s actions from her perspective. Clytemnestra’s motivations are rooted in personal grief, a desire for justice, infidelity, and the cycles of violence and revenge that dominate the play.
Avenging the Death of Her Daughter Iphigenia: The most significant reason for Clytemnestra’s actions is Agamemnon’s sacrifice of her daughter, Iphigenia. Before sailing to Troy, Agamemnon was told by a prophet that the goddess Artemis demanded a sacrifice to allow the Greek fleet to sail. Agamemnon chose to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the gods. This act was devastating for Clytemnestra as a mother. She viewed it as an unforgivable betrayal. Clytemnestra says,
I stand now where I struck, where I achieved what I set out to do. I did all this. I won’t deny the fact.
Hare, Clytemnestra openly admits that her actions were premeditated and motivated by revenge for the sacrifice of her daughter, Iphigenia. From her point of view, killing Agamemnon was an act of justice.
The Theme of Justice: Clytemnestra’s motivation is closely tied to the play’s themes of fate and divine justice, where those who commit evil deeds must eventually pay for them. Clytemnestra’s decision to kill Agamemnon can also be seen as a quest for justice. As a wife, she expected love and protection from her husband, but Agamemnon betrayed that trust by murdering their daughter.
The Cycle of Family Violence: The House of Atreus, to which both Clytemnestra and Agamemnon belong, is cursed with a long history of violence and revenge. Agamemnon’s father, Atreus, had once killed the children of his brother Thyestes and served them as food. This act set off a chain of bloodshed that continued for generations. In her husband’s absence,Unlock this study guide now