Ajax: Analysis of Major Characters
"Ajax: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex interplay of heroism, madness, and honor in the characters of the Greek tragedy "Ajax." Central to the narrative is Ajax, the son of Telamon, renowned for his strength and bravery in the Trojan War. Following the death of Achilles, Ajax's pride leads him to seek revenge on Odysseus for the awarded armor, but divine intervention causes him to mistakenly slaughter cattle, believing them to be his enemies. This moment of madness reveals Ajax's tragic conflict with both fellow warriors and the gods, culminating in his tragic suicide driven by a profound sense of honor.
Contrasting Ajax is Odysseus, portrayed as an insightful and rational leader who, despite being Ajax's rival, shows compassion and respect after Ajax's death. The bond between Ajax and his half-brother Teucer is pivotal, showcasing loyalty as Teucer defies the Greek leaders to ensure Ajax receives a proper burial. Additionally, Tecmessa, Ajax's devoted concubine, represents personal sacrifice and maternal devotion, while characters like Menelaus and Agamemnon embody the political machinations within the Greek ranks. Collectively, these characters highlight themes of honor, loyalty, and the human struggle against fate, making "Ajax" a compelling exploration of the heroic ideal in the face of personal and divine conflict.
Ajax: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sophocles
Genre: Drama
Locale: Phrygia, before Troy
Plot: Tragedy
Time: The Trojan War
Ajax (AY-jaks), the son of Telamon and, excepting Achilles, the strongest and bravest of the Greeks who fought to win Troy. After Achilles was killed, his armor was claimed both by Ajax and by Odysseus; on the testimony of Trojan prisoners that Odysseus had been the more formidable foe, the Greeks awarded the coveted armor to him. Enraged and envious, Ajax left his tent by night, stealthily, to kill not only Odysseus but Agamemnon and Menelaus as well. The goddess Athena cast a madness upon him so that, thinking them Greek leaders, he massacred the flocks and herds. The play begins when Ajax is at the height of his delirium. After the fit has passed, he is seen to be immoderate and proud, but at the same time he commands sympathy not only because of his greatness of spirit but also because he has been, however deservedly, the victim of Athena's terrible wrath. His magnificent sense of personal honor demands that his scheme be eradicated by suicide, an action he carries out in spite of the pleas of Tecmessa and the Chorus. He is a man of such colossal inner strength, nobility, and self-sufficiency that he is not only alienated from his fellow men but also brought into conflict with the gods themselves.
Odysseus (oh-DIH-see-uhs), a resourceful leader of the Greeks at Troy. Ingenious in action and skillful in speech, he is a foil to Ajax. Whereas Ajax is the type of the hero, Odysseus is the type of the enlightened, reasonable man. Although he is an enemy of Ajax, he is horrified when Athena shows him the hero insanely torturing the animals. After the suicide of Ajax, Odysseus persuades Agamemnon to let Teucer give his corpse an honorable burial and, having befriended Teucer, nobly offers to assist at the funeral. While Ajax was alive, he and Odysseus had been at cross purposes, but after Ajax's death, Odysseus justly pays tribute of respect to the dead hero's greatness.
Teucer (TEW-sur), an archer, the son of Telamon and a captive princess. He is a half brother of Ajax. He is absent on a raid during Ajax's madness and subsequent suicide. On his return to the Greek camp, he is first taunted by enemies of Ajax because of his brother's shame and then warned by Calchas, the seer, that Ajax's safety depends on his remaining within his tent for the rest of the day. By the time Teucer reaches Ajax's tent, the hero has left for the scene where his suicide occurs. There is evidently a deep measure of trust and devotion between the brothers. Defying both Menelaus and Agamemnon, Teucer insists that Ajax be buried properly.
Tecmessa (tehk-MEE-sah), a captive, the devoted concubine of Ajax and mother of his son Eurysaces.
Menelaus (mehn-eh-LAY-uhs), the king of Sparta and the deserted husband of Helen. He is pictured as blustering and pusillanimous, eager to defame his dead enemy Ajax by forbidding burial and leaving his body to scavengers.
Agamemnon (ah-geh-MEHM-non), the commander in chief of the Greek forces and brother of Menelaus. When he denies permission to bury Ajax, Teucer defies him. He at last permits the funeral, quite ungraciously, after the intervention of Odysseus.
Eurysaces (ew-RIH-seh-seez), the young son of Ajax and Tecmessa, who receives his father's great shield from Ajax's own hand.