Agamemnon

Abstract

Abstract This chapter argues that it is primarily through the prism of the female characters Clytemnestra and Cassandra, as well the abstract feminine personification Fortuna, that Seneca explores one of the main questions raised in Agamemnon, which is what constitutes proportionate punishment for the Greeks’ sack of Troy. By exploiting the metaphor of psychological turmoil as a storm to describe Clytemnestra’s passions as she grapples with the decision whether or not to assassinate her husband Agamemnon, Seneca creates a complex causal nexus which connects Clytemnestra’s anger against her husband, the destruction of the Greek on its return from Troy, and the eventual murder of Agamemnon. Seneca explores the question of proportionate punishment further by starkly juxtaposing the view of the messenger Eurybates, who believes that the destruction of the Greek fleet at sea represents atonement for the sack of Troy, with that of Cassandra, who considers that Troy will only be avenged fully once Agamemnon is dead. Finally, the chapter argues that the conflict between Clytemnestra and Electra at the end of the play serves partly to anticipate future acts of revenge in the house of Agamemnon.

Authors 1

1. Basil L P Nelis corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University