First Impressions of Clytemnestra in Euripides’ Electra

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Recommended: Analyze the role of clytemnestra in agamemnon

First Impressions of Clytemnestra in Euripides’ Electra

The play begins with the dreary-eyed watchman, scared stiff ("old comrade, terror" 17) of the Queen ("that woman - she manoeuvres like a man" 13) and her tyrannical rule. He says that he cries "for the hard times" that he endures. We are very sure from what he says that the House of Atreus is in cruel hands and he clamours for the return of his "loving" King. Clytemnestra is never mentioned by name, as the sentry is afraid of punishment for saying too much ("I never say a word"). Her influence is all around, even if she herself is not present.

The Chorus sing as Clytemnestra moves around the stage, lighting fires and unmoved to their appeals for news. Their song tells the history of the Greek expedition's problems as they set off for Troy. It would seem that, whilst uplifting the name of Agamemnon ("with the power of Zeus" 47) they also describe the death of Iphigenia with great pity ("gentle curving lips... her glance... wounding every murderer"). They describe his heartache ("pain both ways" 212) between both courses of action, whether to obey the oracle or save his daughter. But undeniably, the Chorus does not approve with what he did ("cause of all our grief" 222) and tell with great sorrow a flashback of Iphigenia singing at the feasts to Zeus ("transfixed with joy" 246). It is with this in our mind that we finally talk to Clytemnestra, the mother of the slaughtered child.

The Chorus is indeed reverential ("we respect your power" 259) but is it her power or the power she holds? It appears that they are dutiful to Agamemnon's wife, not to Clytemnestra ("the warlord's woman" 260). As the leader and Clytemnestra exchange information about the fall of Troy, we see that she is very quick to anger by his words ("sends you into raptures" "No one takes me with visions" 274-5). Whether the Chorus is being rude or she is merely quick to offend is in the balance. The Chorus after all don't regard her beacons very highly ("real of just a dream" 481). I would argue though, that it is Clytemnestra who is looking for any sign of disloyalty in them even if there is little to see ("we're loyal... never blame your silence" 263). Her recount of the beacon relay to bring her word of the fall of Troy is told in arrogant ostentatious fashion ("my commands.

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