Agamemnon

Main Ideas

• Tragedy and the inevitability of fate: In «Agamemnon», Aeschylus explores the theme of fate's inevitability and the tragic consequences it brings. The characters' destinies are predetermined, and they cannot escape their fates.
• Revenge and retribution: A central theme is the cycle of vengeance, beginning with Clytemnestra's murder of Agamemnon in retaliation for the sacrifice of their daughter Iphigenia.
• Moral responsibility and guilt: Characters grapple with questions of moral responsibility for their actions, and Aeschylus raises the issue of who bears the guilt for the crimes committed.
• The role of gods and religion: The gods play a crucial role in the fates of the characters, and their will often drives events, highlighting humanity's dependence on higher powers.
• Patriarchy and power: The theme of power and patriarchy is explored, particularly in the context of Clytemnestra's role as a woman challenging male dominance.