What is the guilt of Agamemnon that brings miseries in his life?
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
What is the guilt of Agamemnon that brings miseries in his life? [NU: 2013, 22] ★★★
In “Agamemnon” (458 BCE), Aeschylus (525/524 BCE—456/455 BCE) shows the tragic fall of the king of Argos. Agamemnon’s guilt is central to the play. His sins bring misery, revenge, and death. His actions reveal the workings of fate and hereditary curse.
Sacrifice of Iphigenia: Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter Iphigenia to please Artemis. This act is his greatest guilt. He kills his own child for military success. The Chorus says,
“The scales of Justice move to show wisdom comes through suffering.”
This suffering begins with Iphigenia’s death. Her blood stains Agamemnon’s hands. It makes Clytemnestra full of anger. This act is remembered throughout the play. It becomes the reason for his murder later. His guilt shows the link between crime and punishment.
Hubris and Pride: Agamemnon also shows arrogance after victory. He accepts Clytemnestra’s offer to walk on purple tapestries. This act is seen as pride against the gods. Clytemnestra says,
“let his path be covered with purple”
He first refuses, but then agrees. This is another guilt before divine law. His pride increases the anger of fate. The audience knows pride leads to downfall. His arrogance brings him closer to doom.
Neglect of Family: Agamemnon also neglects his family’s love and duty. He sacrifices Iphigenia without Clytemnestra’s consent. He returns from war with Cassandra as a slave. This act hurts Clytemnestra deeply. It shows his lack of respect for marriage. His treatment of Cassandra is cruel and arrogant. These actions add to his guilt. They justify, in Clytemnestra’s eyes, her revenge. Thus, Agamemnon’s failure in family life is part of his tragic guilt.
Agamemnon’s guilt lies in sacrifice, pride, and neglect. His sins make him a victim of fate. Aeschylus shows that crimes bring punishment, and guilt ensures suffering in both family and kingdom.