Iphigenia in Aulis: Analysis of Major Characters
"Iphigenia in Aulis" is a poignant Greek tragedy by Euripides that explores themes of sacrifice, duty, and the complexities of familial loyalty. The narrative centers on Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon, who is summoned to Aulis under the pretense of marrying the heroic Achilles. However, her father faces a dire situation: he must sacrifice her to appease the goddess Artemis in order to secure favorable winds for the Greek fleet bound for Troy. The tragic irony unfolds as Iphigenia, initially portrayed as innocent and devoted, ultimately embraces her fate, believing her sacrifice will serve a greater good for Greece.
Agamemnon, the conflicted commander, grapples with his ambition and love for his daughter, ultimately revealing his cowardice as he prioritizes the needs of the army over familial bonds. Clytemnestra, Iphigenia's mother, emerges as a fierce and commanding figure, confronting Agamemnon's decision and advocating for her daughter's life. Achilles, initially unaware of the deception, finds himself torn between his honor and his desire to protect Iphigenia. Menelaus, Agamemnon’s brother, complicates the narrative with his eagerness for the sacrifice, showcasing the broader implications of personal ambition amidst war. This interplay of characters highlights the tension between personal sacrifice and collective responsibility, making "Iphigenia in Aulis" a profound exploration of human emotion and moral dilemmas in the face of duty.
Iphigenia in Aulis: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Euripides
Genre: Play
Locale: Aulis, on the western coast of Euboea
Plot: Tragedy
Time: The beginning of the Trojan War
Iphigenia (IHF-uh-jih-NI-uh), the older daughter of King Agamemnon. The Greek prophet Calchas has revealed that Iphigenia must be sacrificed to the goddess Artemis to secure a favorable wind for the Greek ships becalmed on their way to conquer Troy. Agamemnon has summoned his daughter to Aulis, where the ships have been delayed, under pretext that she is to be married to Achilles. She appears as a very young and delicate girl, completely devoted to her father. She greets him with affection and gaiety, but the scene is pathetic and filled with tragic irony. When she reappears, she has learned that she is to be sacrificed, and she pleads with her father for her life. Her appeal is entirely in terms of pity and love, for at this point she sees the sacrifice as entirely a matter between her and her father. Agamemnon replies that he does not serve his personal desires but Greece and that Iphigenia must be sacrificed for the good of the Greek cause. He leaves and Achilles enters. Unaware at first of the use of his name to bring Iphigenia to Aulis, he has since learned of the truth and he has promised Clytemnestra, Iphigenia's mother, to defend the girl; he appears to keep the promise. Iphigenia intervenes, however, for she has resolved to die. She is now the arbiter of the fate of Greece, and she will give her life to obey the will of the gods and to punish the barbarians who took Helen away. With a plea to her mother not to hate Agamemnon or to mourn her death, she leaves to go willingly to her sacrifice. She is the only person in the play who is blind to the weakness of Agamemnon; to her he is a great man, sacrificing her for the sake of Greece.
Agamemnon (a-guh-MEHM-non), the commander in chief of the Greek army. He is an ambitious politician but unsure of his own motives and in some respects a coward. At the beginning of the play, he writes a second letter to Iphigenia telling her not to come to Aulis, but his message is intercepted by Menelaus, the husband of Helen and brother of Agamemnon. In the interview between the two brothers, Agamemnon's true character is revealed: He is ambitious to control the Greek forces and, though he sincerely loves his daughter, he agrees to sacrifice her of his own free will. It is clear that he will do so, for a refusal now may mean opposing the whole army. He lies to Iphigenia and Clytemnestra when they appear. After they have learned the truth, he argues that the sacrifice is necessary for the good of Greece.
Clytemnestra (kli-tuhm-NEHS-truh), a commanding and efficient woman who treats her weak husband Agamemnon with scant respect. Refusing to return home, as he suggests, she discovers through a servant his true intention of sacrificing his daughter. By appealing to Achilles' injured pride, she elicits his promise to defend Iphigenia, but she agrees first to appeal to Agamemnon herself. Her speech to her husband is a strong one containing reproach for his past and threats for the future. To Iphigenia's last request that she should not hate her husband, Clytemnestra replies that he acted by guile and in a manner unworthy of a son of Atreus and that for his deeds “he must needs run a fearful course.”
Achilles (uh-KIH-leez), the noble Greek warrior whose name is used, without his knowledge, to bring Iphigenia, who expects to become his bride, to Aulis. He comes to speak with Agamemnon and is greeted warmly by Clytemnestra. His amazement causes them to realize the deceit that has been practiced upon them. He is angry at the indignity such usage brings to his name and he promises Clytemnestra, who plays on the insult to his pride, that he will protect Iphigenia. He is self-centered, for he reveals that had his permission been sought he would not have refused it for the sake of Greece. After the appeal to Agamemnon has failed, he reappears; the army is clamoring for the sacrifice and his opposition to it has almost cost him his life. He is true to his promise. Even after Iphigenia's decision to accept her sacrifice, he offers to wait at the altar to defend her if she should change her mind.
Menelaus (meh-neh-LAY-uhs), the husband of ravished Helen and brother of Agamemnon. Eager for the sacrifice of Iphigenia, he intercepts Agamemnon's second letter. Although his interpretation of Agamemnon's motives is prejudiced, it corrects and completes Agamemnon's own. When he is sure that Agamemnon will carry out the sacrifice, he insincerely protests affection and pity; he says he has changed his mind and will not demand the sacrifice.
An old man, a servant of Agamemnon. He sets out with the second message for Iphigenia but is intercepted. Later, he reveals Agamemnon's plan to Clytemnestra and Achilles.
The Chorus of women of Chalcis, who have come to Aulis to see the Greek ships and warriors. Their description of the Greek fleet and army emphasizes the importance of the war to follow.