I do not like Clytaemestra as a character, but when I really think about it, I find myself feeling sorry for her. The pain of losing a child is enormous, and accompanied by the fact that her husband was to blame, I can somewhat understand her behavior. After the death of Ifigenia, Clytaemestra became obsessed with hurting Agamemnon in every way she possibly could. Even her relationship with Aegisthus is an insult far beyond a simple affair because of the family's past. She was determined to not only strip Agamemnon of his life, but also of his honor. In her eyes, a normal death was to good for him. She wanted him to die disgraced, likely in an attempt to lessen the pain she felt due to the loss of her daughter.
Commented on Gary Hamner's "Justified"
Commented on Gary Hamner's "Justified"
I completely agree with you; Clytaemestra is an easy charachter to dislike. It is easy to feel sorry for her after Agamemnon sacrificed her daughter, but the level of revenge that she saught to reach is just too much. However, she took a revulsive amount of joy out of destroying her husband.
ReplyDeleteI really find the depth of Clytemnestra's bitterness and anger fascinating. It just seems so true to life. She would have certainly been an interesting character to watch depicted in a play. You feel for her, but you love to hate her for all her crazy acts and devious plans.
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