Agamemnon​ Structure

The Structure of Aeschylus’ ​Agamemnon

(by Dr. Janice Siegel, from Dr. J’s

Classics: ​http://people.hsc.edu/drjclassics/syllabi/IH/agamemnon.shtm​ )

NOTE: The summary below has been tailored to match the line numbers in
Robert Fagles’ translation of Aeschylus’ Oresteia. The line numbers are
slightly different than in the original Greek text.

Prologue​1-43. Sentry finally sees signal fire signaling the end of the Trojan War.

Parodos (Chorus Entrance)

44-258. Chorus (old men of Argos) gives essential background about the cause and
misery of the Trojan War, and reveals real fear about what Clytemnestra has in store
for the returning Agamemnon (specific reference to the sacrifice of Iphigenia).

Episode I ​258-356. Dialogue between Chorus Leader and Clytemnestra: the chorus
does not trust that Clytemnestra has good information about a Greek victory.

Stasimon I ​356-492. Chorus praises the gods, discusses political unrest in Argos.

Episode II ​493-682. Herald reports to Chorus that the Greeks have won. Herald
praises the gods and speaks of the horrors of war. Clytemnestra enters briefly to say
“I told you so” to the Chorus and to announce that she will welcome Agamemnon. Exit
Clytemnestra.

Stasimon II​ 683-794. Chorus considers the tragedy of the feud.

Episode III ​795-976. Agamemnon addresses the Chorus: he thanks the gods.
Clytemnestra addresses the Chorus in Agamemnon’s presence: she speaks of the
hardship she endured waiting for news of Agamemnon
all these years.
She then addresses Agamemnon, giving a speech renowned for its double-edged
meaning and lots of veiled references to the child he killed. She has her servants lay
out red carpets for Agamemnon, also with a double meaning. He orders Cassandra to
be given hospitality. Clytemnestra and Agamemnon enter the palace.

Stasimon III ​977-1031. Chorus reflects on an unnamed terror they feel.

Episode IV ​1032-1068. Clytemnestra reappears and asks Cassandra inside.

Cassandra does not move, and Clytemnestra, angry, stomps inside.

Kommos ​1069-1354. Cassandra reveals to the Chorus all that will happen inside the
house, as well as knowledge of the past (Curse of the House of Atreus) and future
(the vengeance of Orestes). A priestess of Apollo, she appears practically possessed
as her speech goes on. The Chorus cannot understand that she means that
Clytemnestra, a woman, will be Agamemnon’s murderer. She enters the house to go
to her doom.

Stasimon IV​ 1355-1368. Chorus expounds on the evils of power. They identify
Agamemnon as the recipient of his father’s curse and bemoan the cycle of vengeance
that will cause his death too to be avenged.

Episode V ​1369-1475. The Chorus running in all different directions represents the
political unrest caused by these events. Clytemnestra reveals the body of
Agamemnon, recounts the murder and explains why she had a right to kill him.

Exodos​ 1476-1708. Aegisthus gives his story of vengeance, the child-feast that is
part of the Curse of the House of Atreus. Clytemnestra stops the fight between the
Chorus and Aegisthus and his men, claiming that the cycle has come to an end. No
more killing.

In 1588-1594 the Chorus explains the problem with the Mycenean system
of justice. But the Chorus has already suggested that Orestes should avenge the
murder. The play ends with Aegisthus and Clytemnestra as King and Queen of
Mycenae.