Agamemnon is the first play of Aeschylus trilogy, the Oresteia. Aeschylus was the first of Athens three great tragedians; the others: Sophocles; Euripides. The Oresteia was also the first Greek tragedy trilogy written. As Greeks of this epoch focused on humanist ideas, so did Aeschylus. He devoted his genius to serious contemplations of humanistic questions, such as the nature of justice. Other humanistic values are honor, truth, compassion, loyalty, devotion to family and gods. He credits much of his success to Homers epics. It is helpful to have read both the Iliad and the Odyssey to understand the Oresteia. I will relate some background information from Homers epics as I recount a summary of Aeschylus Agamemnon.In order to appreciate and understand this play it is essential to know some background information of the characters. A brief summary of the Iliads Trojan War is as follows: At the time of the war, King Priam ruled Troy. He was married to Hecuba, who according to legend bore him forty-nine children, including the prophetess Cassandra, and the handsome Paris. Hecuba had a dream that Paris would be the cause of Troys destruction when she was pregnant with Paris. Upon confirmation of the oracle that her son would cause the destruction of Troy, she agreed to abandon the newborn Paris on Mount Ida, exposing him to death. Nevertheless, Paris was saved and raised by shepherds.Just before the beginning of the Trojan War, Zeus arranged to have Thetis, a goddess, marry Peleus, a mortal. All the gods and goddesses were invited except for Eris, the goddess of discord. At the wedding while all the gods and goddesses were enjoying themselves, Eris threw a golden apple into their midst with the words FOR THE FAIREST inscribed on it. Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite all attempted to claim the apple and finally asked Zeus to decide to whom the apple belonged. Zeus refused, and instead chose the shepherd Paris to serve as judge....
