4B Greek Tragedy Flashcards
How does Menelaus’ account of why Agamemnon sent his first letter to Clytemnestra differ from Agamemnon’s own explanation?
Agamemnon says that his brother made him do it whereas Menelaus says that he was eager to do it
Why does Agamemnon feel like he has to go through with the sacrifice?
- He thinks that if he doesn’t, the armies will find out about the prophecy from Odysseus or Calchas and will kill him and Menelaus and sacrifice Iphigenia anyway
Why is Achilles so eager to help Clytemnestra?
It was his name that was used to bring Iphigenia and so he feels somewhat responsible
What is Clytemnestra’s reaction to finding out the true plan?
She tries to stop it by speaking with both Agamemnon and Achilles, but is ultimately unable to
What parallel can be drawn to the death of Iphigenia?
The sacrifice that young men make when they go to war (making the ultimate sacrifice for the future of ones people)
Why does Iphigenia decide to die?
Because if she tries to avoid it, Achilles will die and she’ll be sacrificed anyway
