(no subject)
Jill Sheehy
9/22/2006
Writing Composition 101
Iphigenia in Aulis
In this scene, Agamemnon, the commander-in-chief of the Greek armies, is pacing in front of his tent just before the crack of dawn. He beckons for his servant to come out. They exchange dialogue, and he does this is an impatient and slightly rude fashion, telling him to hurry. Once the servant is outside of the tent, Agamemnon questions him about the bodies visible in the sky, and the old man elaborates his knowledge of astrology, “That’s Sirius, next to the seven Pleiades. It’s still the hour when it rides right in the middle of heaven.” Agamemnon proceeds to explain how not even the calmness of the sky or “the silence of the winds” would hold the river. Sensing unease, the servant then asks him why he’s been rushing around amongst the calmness of Aulis. Without answering the question, Agamemnon informs his servant how he envies him, and those who live their lives without peril. The old man comforts him by saying that it is wonderful to have glory in one’s life. Agamemnon retorts by saying that glory itself is perilous, “and will trip them as they walk”. Furthering his rant about the menace of glory and honor, he speaks,
High honors are sweet to a mans heart, but ever they stand so close to the brink of grief. Many things can bring a calamity. At one time, it is an enterprise of the gods which, failing, overturns a man’s life. At another, the wills of men, many and malignant, ruin life utterly.
This quote gave light to the present trouble of the situation. The servant proceeded to comforting him by saying that regardless of rank, a man is still a man. He says that no matter what rank or authority one has, life will still be full of peril and hardships.
Agamemnon then decides to enlighten the old man as to the reason why he has been so uneasy. He explains that there were three daughters born to Leda, who was the daughter of Thestius. One of whom was his wife, Clytemnestra. Her sister, Helen, was flooded by suitors from all over Greece. All were young and foremost in fortune. He explained that because there were so many, Helen’s father was worried that when she in fact did choose a suitor, a war would break out between the one’s who were not chosen. Therefore he decided to make them swear an oath to protect the marriage of Helen and whomever she chose for her own. They were to defend the marriage through thick and thin. Helen chose a man by the name of Menelaus, and he loved her dearly. However, while Menelaus was out of the country, Paris came from Phrygia and he and Helen fell in love with each other. He then proceeded to take her away with him. When Menelaus came back, he was infuriated. He then proceeded to invoke the oath taken by all of the unsuccessful suitors, and pleaded them to help avenge the situation.
Agamemnon then enlightened the servant to the fact that he was indeed Menelaus’ brother, and therefore he was chosen to be the commander in chief of the armies. However, the armies in Aulis were delayed by the calm of the sea. It was then that the prophet Calchas spoke to them and stated that in order for the weather conditions to aid the armies and ensure a defeat against Troy, Agamemnon must have his daughter sacrificed. At first he had decided that it was not in his mental power to commit such a horror, but Menelaus was breathing down his throat about it. So then Agamemnon sent a letter to his wife, requesting that his daughter be sent to marry Achilles, although this was a complete falsehood. Agamemnon explains to the old man that he wishes to undo this horrible thing he’s done, so he sends his away with a letter stating that they are not to be married anymore, ultimately saving the life of his beloved daughter.
9/22/2006
Writing Composition 101
Iphigenia in Aulis
In this scene, Agamemnon, the commander-in-chief of the Greek armies, is pacing in front of his tent just before the crack of dawn. He beckons for his servant to come out. They exchange dialogue, and he does this is an impatient and slightly rude fashion, telling him to hurry. Once the servant is outside of the tent, Agamemnon questions him about the bodies visible in the sky, and the old man elaborates his knowledge of astrology, “That’s Sirius, next to the seven Pleiades. It’s still the hour when it rides right in the middle of heaven.” Agamemnon proceeds to explain how not even the calmness of the sky or “the silence of the winds” would hold the river. Sensing unease, the servant then asks him why he’s been rushing around amongst the calmness of Aulis. Without answering the question, Agamemnon informs his servant how he envies him, and those who live their lives without peril. The old man comforts him by saying that it is wonderful to have glory in one’s life. Agamemnon retorts by saying that glory itself is perilous, “and will trip them as they walk”. Furthering his rant about the menace of glory and honor, he speaks,
High honors are sweet to a mans heart, but ever they stand so close to the brink of grief. Many things can bring a calamity. At one time, it is an enterprise of the gods which, failing, overturns a man’s life. At another, the wills of men, many and malignant, ruin life utterly.
This quote gave light to the present trouble of the situation. The servant proceeded to comforting him by saying that regardless of rank, a man is still a man. He says that no matter what rank or authority one has, life will still be full of peril and hardships.
Agamemnon then decides to enlighten the old man as to the reason why he has been so uneasy. He explains that there were three daughters born to Leda, who was the daughter of Thestius. One of whom was his wife, Clytemnestra. Her sister, Helen, was flooded by suitors from all over Greece. All were young and foremost in fortune. He explained that because there were so many, Helen’s father was worried that when she in fact did choose a suitor, a war would break out between the one’s who were not chosen. Therefore he decided to make them swear an oath to protect the marriage of Helen and whomever she chose for her own. They were to defend the marriage through thick and thin. Helen chose a man by the name of Menelaus, and he loved her dearly. However, while Menelaus was out of the country, Paris came from Phrygia and he and Helen fell in love with each other. He then proceeded to take her away with him. When Menelaus came back, he was infuriated. He then proceeded to invoke the oath taken by all of the unsuccessful suitors, and pleaded them to help avenge the situation.
Agamemnon then enlightened the servant to the fact that he was indeed Menelaus’ brother, and therefore he was chosen to be the commander in chief of the armies. However, the armies in Aulis were delayed by the calm of the sea. It was then that the prophet Calchas spoke to them and stated that in order for the weather conditions to aid the armies and ensure a defeat against Troy, Agamemnon must have his daughter sacrificed. At first he had decided that it was not in his mental power to commit such a horror, but Menelaus was breathing down his throat about it. So then Agamemnon sent a letter to his wife, requesting that his daughter be sent to marry Achilles, although this was a complete falsehood. Agamemnon explains to the old man that he wishes to undo this horrible thing he’s done, so he sends his away with a letter stating that they are not to be married anymore, ultimately saving the life of his beloved daughter.