Ajax

Summary

Sophocles' tragedy «Ajax» tells the story of the great Greek warrior Ajax after the Trojan War. Offended that Achilles' armor was awarded to Odysseus instead of him, Ajax decides to kill the Greek leaders. However, the goddess Athena drives him mad, and he slaughters a flock of sheep, mistaking them for his enemies. Coming to his senses and realizing his disgrace, Ajax decides to take his own life. He bids farewell to his son and wife, then falls upon his sword. After his death, a dispute arises over whether his body should be buried. Ultimately, thanks to Odysseus' intervention, Ajax's body receives a proper burial.

Main Ideas

• Tragedy and fate: An exploration of the inevitability of fate and the tragic consequences of human actions.
• Honor and valor: Questions of honor, valor, and martial glory, and their impact on the individual and society.
• Madness and reason: The contrast between madness and reason, their roles in human life, and their consequences.
• Conflict and revenge: An examination of conflicts between heroes and the pursuit of revenge as a driving force of the plot.
• Human weakness: A portrayal of human weaknesses and flaws, and their influence on the fate of the heroes.
• Gods and humans: The relationships between gods and humans, and the impact of divine intervention on human destinies.

Historical Context and Significance

Sophocles' «Ajax» is a tragedy written in the 5th century BCE that explores themes of honor, heroism, and madness. The central figure is Ajax, a hero of the Trojan War, who, feeling deceived and humiliated, falls into a rage and commits suicide. This play is significant for understanding ancient Greek culture and its notions of honor and heroism. It also reflects the social and political realities of Athens at the time, including issues of leadership and justice. The influence of «Ajax» on culture is evident in its impact on subsequent literary and dramatic works, as well as its role in shaping the Western tradition of tragedy.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Ajax - The main character of the tragedy, one of the greatest Greek warriors. At the beginning of the play, he is full of anger and resentment because Achilles' armor was awarded to Odysseus instead of him. This leads him to madness and an attempt to kill the Greek leaders, but Athena intervenes and directs his rage towards a flock of sheep. Realizing his disgrace, Ajax decides to end his life by falling on his sword.
• Tecmessa - A captive and concubine of Ajax, mother of his son Eurysaces. She tries to prevent Ajax from committing suicide by showing him their son and pleading with him to think of his family. Her role underscores the tragic fate of Ajax and his loved ones.
• Teucer - Ajax's half-brother, who arrives after his death and decides to bury him despite the orders of the Greek leaders. He defends Ajax's honor and enters into conflict with Menelaus and Agamemnon.
• Odysseus - The Greek leader to whom Achilles' armor was awarded. At the end of the play, he shows magnanimity by persuading Agamemnon and Menelaus to allow Ajax to be buried with honors, despite their enmity.
• Agamemnon and Menelaus - Greek leaders who refuse to bury Ajax because of his attempt to kill them. Their cruelty and intransigence highlight the tragedy of the situation and the greatness of Odysseus, who shows mercy.

Interesting Facts

• The main character of the tragedy, Ajax, is one of the greatest Greek warriors who participated in the Trojan War.
• The tragedy begins with Ajax falling into madness because he did not receive Achilles' armor, which was awarded to Odysseus.
• In his madness, Ajax kills a flock of sheep, thinking they are his enemies.
• After coming to his senses and realizing what he has done, Ajax decides to take his own life to avoid disgrace.
• Ajax's death sparks a conflict between his brother Teucer and other Greek leaders who do not want to bury him with honors.
• Odysseus, despite his enmity with Ajax, advocates for Ajax to be buried with honors, emphasizing the theme of honor and respect in the tragedy.

Book Review

Sophocles' «Ajax» is a tragedy that explores themes of honor, pride, and madness. The main character, Ajax, faces a deep internal conflict after being denied a reward for his military achievements. Critics note that Sophocles masterfully conveys the psychological state of the hero, his despair, and sense of injustice. The tragedy also raises questions about the nature of heroism and human weakness. Special attention is given to the scene of Ajax's madness, which is the culmination of his internal struggle. Overall, «Ajax» is considered one of Sophocles' most powerful and emotionally charged tragedies, demonstrating his profound understanding of human nature.