Iphigenia in Aulis

Main Ideas

• Sacrifice and its moral dilemmas: the central theme of the play is the necessity of sacrificing Iphigenia to ensure the success of the Greek fleet in the Trojan War.
• Conflict between personal feelings and public duty: Agamemnon, as a father, experiences deep inner turmoil between his love for his daughter and his duty to the army.
• Role of fate and divine intervention: the play emphasizes the influence of gods and fate on human decisions and events.
• Female valor and self-sacrifice: Iphigenia demonstrates courage and a willingness to sacrifice herself for the greater good, placing her at the heart of the moral and emotional conflict.
• Critique of military glory and heroism: Euripides questions traditional notions of military glory by highlighting the tragic consequences of war for individuals and families.