Dissimilar Representations of Agamemnon in Ancient Greek Literature
Open Access
Author:
Bellwoar, Emily Elizabeth
Area of Honors:
English
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Lisa Ruth Sternlieb, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Marcy Lynne North, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Agamemnon Characterization Greek Epic Drama Euripides Aeschylus Homer
Abstract:
This thesis examines the discrepancies in the portrayals of Agamemnon in three ancient Greek texts. Homer’s Iliad, Euripides’ Iphigenia at Aulis and Aeschylus' Agamemnon each depicts Agamemnon with an astounding level of variety, both intertextually and intratextually. Despite any differences in plots, authorship and genre, Agamemnon as a character should maintain some semblance of a consistent figure. All three texts are analyzed, establishing the vast differences between each version of Agamemnon. This thesis hopes to prove how his actions, values, motivations and capabilities are all unusually dissimilar for such a prominent and influential mythological figure.