Play: Agamemnon

Introduction
"Agamemnon" is the very first part of the unfortunate play trilogy referred to as the Oresteia, written by the old Greek playwright Aeschylus in 458 BCE. The play retells the story of Agamemnon, the king of Argos, that returns house from the Trojan War just to be killed by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. Agamemnon was the victim of a household curse that began with his father, Atreus, and proceeded with his kid, Orestes. This distinguished play powerfully discovers themes such as justice, retribution, as well as the harmful impact of the past on the present.

Background and also Set-Up
At the start of the play, the Watchman that is standing guard on the roof covering of the royal residence in Argos views a sign indicating the loss of Troy after a ten-year-long battle, which was led by Agamemnon. In the meanwhile, Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's other half, has actually been organizing the exiled Aegisthus, Agamemnon's relative, as well as outlining to eliminate her partner when he returns house.

The reason for Clytemnestra's disgust for Agamemnon originates from two key reasons: first, Agamemnon, adhering to the instructions of the oracles, had sacrificed their child Iphigenia to their gods at Aulis to safeguard the secure passage of the Greek fleet to Troy. Secondly, while away up in arms, Agamemnon has taken a brand-new lover, the recorded Trojan princess Cassandra, that he restores with him to Argos.

Agamemnon's Return
The Chorus of Elders eagerly anticipates Agamemnon's return as well as discuss the misfortunes that your house of Atreus has actually dealt with in the past. When Agamemnon arrives home, Clytemnestra makes believe to welcome him comfortably and orders a purple tapestry to be laid out for him to walk on as a sign of her regard and also entry. However, Agamemnon, sensing possible hubris, stands up to strolling on it, suspecting that it is a scheme to bring magnificent retribution upon him. In spite of his reluctance, Clytemnestra persuades him to stroll on the tapestry.

Murders of Agamemnon as well as Cassandra
As soon as Agamemnon is inside the palace, Clytemnestra, together with Aegisthus, ambushes as well as eliminates him by trapping him in a net-like garment as well as striking him with an ax. Prior to his death, Agamemnon is seen sharing a sincere scene with Cassandra. She had been cursed by the god Apollo, which made her predict her very own death alongside Agamemnon while nobody would certainly think her predictions. When Agamemnon is killed, her foretold vision comes true, and also Clytemnestra strongly murders her too.

Revelation and also Aftermath
After the murders of Agamemnon and Cassandra, Clytemnestra validates her activities as revenge for the sacrifices of their daughter, Iphigenia. Aegisthus additionally discloses his disgust for Agamemnon, which originates from a long-standing fight between their fathers. The two of them plan to rule Argos as king and queen, beginning a brand-new era in the kingdom.

The Chorus is alarmed by these events as well as has problem with the question of whether or not Clytemnestra's and Aegisthus's activities were warranted. Nonetheless, they prophesize that the curse on the home of Atreus is not over, recommending that Agamemnon's son, Orestes, will unavoidably seek retaliation for his father's murder.

Final thought
"Agamemnon" is an important work in the Oresteia trilogy, which shows Aeschylus's proficiency of catastrophe as well as his ability to explore complicated themes of justice, retribution, and also the impact of the past on today. The play highlights the long-lasting influence of the family curse that extends generations and also questions regarding the nature of moral obligation in such situations. These questions established the stage for the adhering to plays in the trilogy, "The Libation Bearers" and also "The Eumenides", in which Aeschylus further analyzes the complexities of justice and principles in ancient Greek culture.