English 240: Ancient Literature The Structure of Aeschylus' Agamemnon Al Drake. Office: Classroom, M 6:00-7:00 | 714-434-1612 Here is the plot of Agamemnon, the first play in Aeschylus' trilogy The Oresteia. Aristotle says that "plot is the soul of tragedy" and that even a bare recounting of a well-constructed tragedy's plot should have much the same effect as viewing the entire play. What do you think? 0001-0043: In Argos, Agamemnon's kingdom on the Greek mainland, in "tenth and final autumn of the Trojan War," Watchman addresses audience -- he sees beacon indicating Greeks have taken Troy. 0044-0256: Chorus speaks of Trojan expedition and their own fears; they see Clytaemnestra lighting altar-fires and ignoring their words. 0257-0357: Chorus Leader and Clytaemnestra debate the certainty of the beacon's news. Exit Clytaemnestra into palace. 0358-0492: Chorus all together, and, towards end, singly; then Leader speaks -- they all reassert their initial fear and doubt. 0493-0577: Herald tells Chorus Leader of certain victory, reminisces about wartime experiences. Herald remains, Clytaemnestra enters. 0578-0613: Chorus Leader, Clytaemnestra, Herald speak briefly. Clytaemnestra proclaims her joy at Agamemnon's return, declares she has remained true to him. Exit Clytaemnestra into palace. 0614-0682: Herald and Chorus Leader discuss fate of Menelaus, whose fleet is lost at sea and whose fate is yet uncertain. Exit Herald. 0683-0793: Chorus offers pronouncements about Trojan War's causes. At 0766, they greet Agamemnon as he enters triumphantly in his chariot, Cassandra behind him. 0794-0841: Agamemnon addresses Chorus exultantly, missing the import of the warnings they try to deliver. Sees Clytaemnestra, offers prayer. 0842-0864: Clytaemnestra enters and addresses Chorus, recounting the anguish and suspense of her wartime wait. Agamemnon listens. 0865-0907: Clytaemnestra welcomes Agamemnon in view of Chorus, bids serving women roll out "crimson tapestries" upon which he may tread to palace. 0908-0976: Agamemnon, offended at the tapestry's splendour, argues with Clytaemnestra, but gives in. Agamemnon enters palace, Clytaemnestra prays to Zeus, enters Palace. Doors close and "old men [of Chorus] huddle in terror." 0977-1031: Chorus speaks with foreboding. 1032-1068: Clytaemnestra reemerges, bidding Cassandra come down from Agamemnon's chariot and enter palace; Cassandra will not listen to Chorus Leader or Queen, who reenters palace. 1069-1368: Cassandra, Chorus Leader, and (occasionally) Chorus speak to one another -- Cassandra laments her situation and the destruction of Troy, utters prophecies, enters palace. As Chorus speaks, "Cries break out within the palace." 1369-1390: Clytaemnestra stabs Agamemnon -- he remarks two blows, and collapses. Leader tells Chorus to close ranks, but they scatter and speak singly. 1391-1604: Clytaemnestra, emerging from palace, exults in the murder and then defends her action against the reproaches of Chorus Leader and Chorus. 1605-1687: Aegisthus emerges from palace with his bodyguard, argues heatedly with Chorus Leader. Clytaemnestra comes between Chorus and Aegisthus. 1688-1708: Clytaemnestra counsels restraint to Aegisthus and then to Chorus, defending her deed as "destiny." Aegisthus and Leader continue to argue; Clytaemnestra advises Aegisthus, "We will set the house in order once for all."
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