Agamemnon, Lines 500-1000

1. manifold (line 513): rightfully so-called for many reasons

2. In this section the Herald returns to the kingdom, very happy to be home and also announces that Agamemnon will also be returning soon. Clytemnestra orders the Herald to find Agamemnon and bring him home quickly, as she has missed him very much. The chorus questions about Menelaus, Agamemnon's brother, and it is revealed that he has probably died. Because of this loss, they begin to talk of Helen and how she was not worth all of the lives lost and the suffering of many people. Soon, Agamemnon enters in a chariot accompanied by Cassandra he is also greeted by his wife who tells him all about how much she suffered while he was away, and how much she loves him. She even ordered that a purple carpet be laid out in front of him as he enters the palace.

3. I find it interesting that Clytemnestra has made such a big deal over her husband's return home. She is clearly still angry at him for sacrificing their daughter many years ago, and I think that she was enjoying having the power and ruling over her husband's kingdom while he was away. So, it is fascinating that she would be rejoicing Agamemnon's return such as when she says, " First, that a wife sat sundered from her lord, in widowed solitude was utter woe-- and woe, to hear how rumour's many tounges all boded evil-woe, when he who came." Why would the author choose to make Clytemnestra give such a warm welcome to her husband, but yet have it be so insincere? Did the author intend to make it so that Agamemnon could tell that she was not happy about his return?

4. a) Was Agamemnon intending to flaunt Cassandra in front of his wife?

b) Did the people of Agamemnon's kingdom (possibly the chorus) believe that he was a hero?

c) Can Agamemnon, or other people in the kingdom tell that Clytemnestra is not sincere when welcoming her husband home?