Themes in Agamemnon

Naturalistic symbolism
The unique, almost mixed metaphorical style of Aeschylus provides him enough
freedom to intermingle utilize solar and lunar cycles, night and day, storms, winds,
fire, among other natural symbols to represent the vacillating nature of human
reality: good and evil, birth and death, sorrow and happiness.
Character foiling and doubling
It is valuable to compare and contrast one character with another in this play since,
like most of its complex symbolism, the characters are made to embody certain
antithetical qualities that inevitably come into conflict. For example, Agamemnon
is blind where Cassandra can see.
Fire and sunrise
Here Aeschylus captures the central tension of the play (between human and
divine will) in a very specific image: the image of the fire at Troy versus the
imminent sunrise. We remember that the signal comes at night, and much is made
of how like that fire is to a sunrise, the dawn of a new day. Yet the fire at Troy is
one of destruction; it is mortal, mundane, and human. On the other hand, the
sunrise belongs to the gods and to nature. We might think of the bonfire as a
"false" dawn, since Agamemnon's return only brings Argos more sorrow and pain.
Women as promiscuous
Helen, Clytaemestra, Cassandra are all three adulterous women. There is a certain
amount of emphasis placed on the natural weakness woman in play. It is mainly
the Chorus, however, a group of old men, who advance this position. The women
themselves are quick to point out their innocence, although, there is also much
ambiguity in their reasoning as well. Womanliness and Manliness
This brings up the idea of ancient Greek social structure and the socially
determined roles of men and women. Clytaemestra's manliness should be given
close attention. Alternatively, there is an over- masculine quality to Agamemnon in
his apparent love for war, a love so strong he sacrifices his female daughter for the
sake of his campaign.

Premature death
Several portents and symbols indicate the importance of the theme of premature
death, the death of youths. In fact, it probably hearkens back to the ill-fate house
of Atreus and Thyestes' being tricked into eating his own child. Iphigeneia,
daughter of Agamemnon and Clytaemestra, is sacrificed as a maiden, and a whole
generation of young Argive men have been lost fighting in Troy.

Ambition and daring

One of the human flaws discussed at length in the play, ambition or daring is the
sin of Agamemnon, the one for which he must inevitably pay with his life.

Divine versus human justice

Possibly the most important theme in the play, justice is left as one huge question
mark when the curtain falls on Agamemnon. Clytaemestra makes a case for her
own innocence, but is highly doubtful that the gods have sanction the joy she took
in killing her husband. The Zeus calls out to Zeus many times to no avail. What
they want to know is, was the murder of their king divinely caused or an act of
base vengeance.
Beast symbolism
Generally the domain of portent and prophecy, animal symbolism plays a subdued
but essential role in the play. The symbol of the lion that tears apart its host, the
eagle who lets its fledglings die, the wolf,
the cock and his hen, all of them provide metaphors for major characters. One
especially important beast symbol is the hare tore out of the woman, which
symbolizes Iphigeneia's sacrifice. Humans who forget how to govern themselves
justly tend to be personified as beasts.

Corruption and purity (healing)

Here one should think of the curse on the house of Atreus. The original impurity in
the house still has not been cleansed. The blood of innocent children has brought
sorrow Argos, and there are many questions as to who will finally clean it up, that
it may heal.

Justice and Judgment

From just reading Agamemnon on its own, you might not immediately think that
"Justice and Judgment" is its most important theme. Like, sure, it would be in your
Top 10, but it probably wouldn't be...

Fate and Free Will

Is it fair to punish someone for something they didn't choose? Consider the case of
Agamemnon. One of the reasons Clytemnestra murders him (an act she considers
the implementation of justice) is be...
Revenge
The theme of "Revenge" is also closely connected with the theme of "Justice and
Judgment." Agamemnon, if you remember, is only the first part of a three-part
series of tragedies entitled the Oreste...
Wisdom and Knowledge The theme of "Wisdom and Knowledge" in
Agamemnon mainly centers around the Chorus's claim that Zeus makes mortals
"Suffer and learn" (177). This phrase could be interpreted to mean "learning
happen...

Family
Even if it isn't the most important theme in Agamemnon, "Family" is definitely up
there because it provides the context for everything else. Let's not forget that
everything in Agamemnon goes back...

Lies and Deceit

There are some obvious connections between the theme of "Lies and Deceit" and
that of "Wisdom and Knowledge." The connection between these two themes
becomes clear when the Chorus tells the Herald...

Gender
In a patriarchal society like that of ancient Greece, it would be pretty hard to have
a play with a fearsome female villain like Clytemnestra and not have the issue of
gender play a prominent role....

Memory and The Past

From the very beginning of Agamemnon, it's clear that the people of Argos are
living in the past. If you were a Watchman who had to spend every night of your
life for ten years sitting on a roof in...