Penthesilea by Heinrich von Kleist
"Penthesilea" is a tragic play written by Heinrich von Kleist that delves into complex themes of love, power, and gender dynamics within the context of the Trojan War. The storyline centers around Queen Penthesilea of the Amazons and Achilles, a Greek hero, whose relationship unfolds amid the chaos of battle. Unlike traditional narratives where Amazons are depicted solely as fierce warriors, Kleist's work presents Penthesilea as a character torn between her martial duties and her passionate desires, challenging established gender roles.
The plot reveals an intense and tumultuous attraction between Penthesilea and Achilles, leading them to prioritize their personal conflict over the objectives of their respective armies. As the story progresses, it highlights the psychological struggles of the protagonist, illustrating how her inner turmoil ultimately leads to her downfall. The play culminates in a brutal confrontation resulting in tragedy and remorse, pushing the boundaries of love and violence to their extremes. Despite its historical and critical controversies, "Penthesilea" is appreciated for its exploration of eroticism and the intricacies of human relationships, inviting diverse interpretations and discussions about its themes.
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Penthesilea by Heinrich von Kleist
Excerpted from an article in Magill’s Survey of World Literature, Revised Edition
First published: 1808, first produced, 1876 (English translation, 1959)
Type of work: Play
The Work
Rejected by past critics for its sadomasochistic extremes and for the alleged insanity of its protagonist, Penthesilea is valued today for its exploration of gender roles and the psychology of eroticism and violence. There is more disagreement on how to understand this play than for any of Kleist’s other works. Since so much of the text reports offstage action and the battles are as chaotic as the soul of the protagonist, Penthesilea is seldom produced. The plot runs counter to classical legends, where Amazons never fall in love and are always defeated by male heroes.
In the opening scenes, Queen Penthesilea and Achilles feel mutual attraction, yet desire to subdue one another in battle. The Amazons and the Greeks view these desires as contrary to reason and custom. After their first armed contest, which is inconclusive, Penthesilea and Achilles announce plans to pursue one another and therefore to contravene the real goals of each army. While some Amazons want to continue the fight to win more captives, others argue that an enamored Penthesilea is not fit to wage war and risks losing the captives they have already won.
The High Priestess’s prediction that Penthesilea will be defeated by her inner foe, rather than by Achilles, proves true. When Penthesilea lies at Achilles’ feet after their second battle, her Amazon friend convinces him to postpone telling the queen of her defeat. Hearing the false report that Achilles is now her prisoner, an ecstatic Penthesilea orders the victory hymn.
A long dialogue ensues in which Achilles inquires about the history of the Amazons. Their ancestors had prayed for revenge to the war god Mars after they were forced into marriage by the murderers of their menfolk. Their first queen had died ripping away one breast to prove to Mars that the women could wield a bow. To reproduce, warrior virgins bring the men they have captured in battle home to a love feast. After a month of orgies, the men are loaded with gifts and dismissed. Though Achilles finds these customs unnatural, he is now determined to make Penthesilea his queen. As the Greeks approach and he orders Penthesilea to go with them, she learns that Achilles has conquered her.
While the Greeks drag Achilles away against his will, the Amazons rescue their queen. This angers Penthesilea, who feels she belongs to the victor. However, on learning that by saving her the Amazons have lost all their captives, she blushes with shame. When a challenge to single combat arrives from Achilles, Penthesilea is outraged, believing this proves that he does not love her. Achilles, confident of the queen’s love, tells his men he will only pretend to fight to give her an easy victory.
Despite attempts of the Amazons to prevent it, Penthesilea sets out with dogs and elephants against Achilles. After her arrow fells the unarmed hero, she joins the animals in a feeding frenzy on his corpse. The Amazons are appalled at Penthesilea’s brutality. Roused from her stupor, the queen, elated to have defeated Achilles, feels ripe for death, yet she objects to the mutilation of Achilles’ corpse. Dumbfounded to hear that she is the perpetrator, she excuses herself by saying that in love there is little difference between kissing and biting. After renouncing Amazon law, she follows Achilles by dying of remorse for her deed.
Bibliography
Allan, Seán. The Plays of Heinrich von Kleist: Ideals and Illusions. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1996.
Allan, Seán. The Stories of Heinrich von Kleist: Fictions of Security. Rochester, N.Y.: Camden House, 2001.
Brown, Hilda M. Heinrich von Kleist: The Ambiguity of Art and the Necessity of Form. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1998.
Ellis, John M. Heinrich von Kleist: Meaning and Character of His Writings. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1979.
Fischer, Bernd, ed. A Companion to the Works of Heinrich von Kleist. Columbia, S.C.: Camden House, 2003.
McGlathery, James. Desire’s Sway: The Plays and Stories of Heinrich von Kleist. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1983.
Stephens, Anthony. Heinrich von Kleist: The Dramas and Stories. Oxford, England: Berg, 1994.