Iphigeneia Will I go on my own or with mother? We are a free people, whereas they are slaves. Stay here. Ive changed my mind, brother. I know, Im behaving as if I were some god towards you though Im a mere mortal. If this works out well, then the result will be good for you and your family without my getting mixed up in the affair. Raise a hymn now to the goddess Artemis, Zeus daughter, for the sad honour she has asked me to endure and let the women of Argos, the daughters of Danaus, hold a silence of reverence. My Mycenae! No tomb, no tombstone! What did you say? Is it a good wife youre after? Achilles First, plead with him. Come, take me to the altar of the goddess. This sword will have blood on it even before I leave for Troy! "Iphigenia" marks Steele and Lorca's fourth collaboration on a Greek tragedy. 1121. Be careful not to disgrace your ancestors house. Klytaimestra You have the impudence to ask me that? Klytaimestra Unfortunate, Achilles, yes, that is true! You locked yourself up indoors and became totally unapproachable to everyone. Dont become an evil man! Od. It was your name, Achilles that has brought us to this misfortune, so protect it now. What sort of a welcome do you think youll receive on you return? Then Achilles, Peleas son, took the golden basket and the holy water in his hands and ran around the goddess altar, chanting. Calchas. Your own father has slaughtered you with his own hand! I was not going to slaughter my own daughter, old man! What demon has taken possession of his mind? I have no one else to turn to, no other friend, no other altar to pray upon. Still, the girl came up close to him and said, Daddy, here I am, ready to do as you say. 411, Menelaos Enjoy the glory of your sceptre then! Chorus Let Agamemnons spear see victory! Iphigeneias scream of grief is suddenly heard from within the tent. Let me tell you of your faults, Agamemnon! But they cant, my darling daughter. Iphigeneia Dont leave home, daddy. Agamemnon Menelaos! Agamemnon Wife, we should consider ourselves very much blessed. Reg. And you, dear wife, daughter of Leda, I ask forgiveness from you, too, for all my tears. Another, Pallas, was proud of her war spear and the third, Hera, proud of the fact that she shared her bed with Lord Zeus. Aided and abetted by the gods! I know hes around here somewhere. Sacrifice me. I shall obey your directions. IPHIGENIA A T A ULIS presents many problems to the literary and textual critic. 1340. Menelaos Listen to me, Agamemnon! With his own sword, madam he will make bloody the young girls white neck bloody it with her own blood! First Chorus And there I saw the two Ajaxes sitting together: Oeleus son and the son of Telemon, the crown ofSalamisand Protisilaos and Palamides, whose father is Poseidons son. I have brought this bride here with strong hopes for a wonderful marriage. Achilles Yes, many and theyll be lead by Odysseus! But why girl? Why do I not call her a woman? Will she not be made Hades bride soon? Klytaimestra Yes, quite right, too! 43. Klytaimestra Ah! People will talk about how Ive saved Greece. Iphigenia at Aulis seems to have been constructed in a society in which it was ideal to put nation and family ahead of oneself. At one point he is satisfied with what hes written, seals it with his ring but then, a moment later, he scratches away the seal and re-reads the letter. He was the one responsible for that job. Achilles Me, too! Agamemnon Are you, darling? London: J.M. The sacrifice of Iphigenia would be covered by Euripides in 'Iphigenia at Aulis' and in this version Agamemnon has second thoughts. I beg you, father! Iphigenia at Aulis (the title is sometimes rendered as Iphigenia in Aulis) has been criticised for its melodrama, but its portrayal of the central character's decision to agree to renounce her life for the 'greater good', and Agamemnon's ambivalence about sacrificing his own daughter, make it a curious and satisfying play which repays close analysis . I would have given it if the Greeks couldnt get to Troy without my doing so. Obedient child. Let the Greeks win, mother, not the barbarians. The thought that you would no longer lead our thousand ships against Priam, that you would no longer conquer his city with our soldiers all that filled you with utter distress and dismay! Theyre all just sitting idly around by the shore. Dear women of Argos, this death, my death, this sacrifice to Artemis, will speed the Greeks to Troy and bring honour to the Greeks. Old Man I I dont approve of words like these coming out of the mouths of leaders. 471. Whats in your mind, this time, my lord Agamemnon? Of beauty kindling flames of love, High on my splendid car I move, Betrothed to Thetis' son a bride: Ah hapless bride, to all the train. Iphigeneia Of course. Out of my senses! I ask only for a modest share of Aphrodites love; let it be not excessive! "Iphigenia at Aulis" (Gr: "Iphigeneia en Aulidi") is the last extant tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Euripides. Help us because our plight needs your help. Klytaimestra Was he picked by the army to do this or is this his own private doing? And if I tried to run off toArgos, the whole lot of them will come over and destroy the place, raze the whole city to the ground, Cyclopean walls and all! Please, father! Shelley Dean Milman. First, come, give your father a kiss. What a wonderful excuse! 710. And how did you respond to that? Promise me, mummy! Im not too proud to do so. 1171, I would be there, alone, Agamemnon, wailing, crying bitter tears, yelling, Darling Iphigeneia! This way, I hope, my pain will be lessened a little. Agamemnon My child, why are you crying? Chorus With what joy the Muses pounded the earth with their gold-sandaled feet as they climbed the mountain side to get to the wedding! Menelaos If you dont let go of it I shall crack your skull open with this staff! 500. And how can I be certain that this isnt just an idle little story to cheer me up, to ease my dreadful grief for you? 910. July 4, 2022 . Of all of my children, you, Iphigeneia, have always loved your father the most! Old Man Yes, dear lady! First Chorus It is wise to be modest because modesty gives you the rare gift of circumspection, the ability to judge what is right, what is your duty; an ability that will give you respect and will remain with you for ever. What a shocking thing that would be! Id rather live a life full of misery than die a heros death! In the beginning of the play, Agamemnon . I take your kind welcome and gracious words as signs of a good omen. I I felt a sharp pain cutting into my heart, my lady and I looked down onto the earth. She is the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra . You might still change your mind. When is the wedding? He is afraid of his own soldiers. Were working on it right now. First Chorus Different words now but better. No, he gave you life so that you may understand pain, as well as pleasure. Klytaimestra Theyve tricked my daughter to her death by promising her to you in marriage. Tell him not to kill his daughter. Go, now! Are you here to add to the mountain of dread I have to endure already? Youll fight them all? The choruses "Que d'attraits" and "Non, jamais, jamais aux regards" are full of grace. Now make your answer reasonable also! Its young Orestes, a baby still. Have no fear, the pain will soften with custom and with the passage of time. Klytaimestra Really? That will be very easy to accomplish. This man has forcefully and unjustly ripped your letter from my hands, my lord! This got me so angry that the very next moment I ordered Talthybius to use his powerful voice and call the army to disband. Chorus There they will arrive with their war-whetted spears and shields to wrest Helen from Priams city and bring her back toGreece. It was written sometime between 408 and 406 BCE (the date of his death) and was first produced in the year following his death, where it won first place at the Athenian City Dionysia contest. What horror! I can see you there now: a nobleman becoming a brother-in-law to a nobleman, to the divine Achilles, the son of Thetis the Nereid. Old Man Tries to take the letter from Menelaos. Klytaimestra Achilles, son of the Nereid! The girl deserves better still, may the gods be with us! CLYTEMNESTRA: Now hear me, for my thoughts will I unfold In no obscure and coloured mode of speech. Euripides, Iphigenia in Tauris 390). Among these the problem of the prologue is as clear-cut as it is controversial.2 It may be summarized as follows: (I) Our text opens abruptly with an anapaestic dialogue between Agamem-non and the Retainer (1-48), instead of the usual monologue in trimeters. 290. Surely I could find another wife elsewhere! You, too, Menelaos, get everything ready for this joyous occasion and lets hear the flutes sing and the dancers pound the earth with their feet. It is a bitter thing for a father to take, a father who has worked hard but who must send his daughters away away to another household. 350. Lift your head up for me, darling, smile for me. By the gods, Agamemnon! To let this man succeed in this deed, to let him use my name as his bloody sword, would be to make me the worst of all the Greeks a worthless man, one more cowardly than Menelaos, as if I were not the son of Peleas but that of some evil demon. No, thats not a good idea, Klytaimestra Ill hold you tight, by your clothes, Iphigeneia No, mother. Menelaos Yes, but an unstable mind is an evil thing, something which befuddles the minds of ones friends. I wrote a letter to my wife, Klytaimestra. Spare me! What would be the best action for him to take? Only fools would pray to go down there. Cacoyannis achieved the impossible. These ships, too, were adorned with emblems at their high sterns, this time of Cadmus, holding a golden serpent in his hands. How dare you! Dance around the temple of the blessed goddess! There is nothing that I would not do for my darling Iphigeneia. She was the Queen of the gods. Those with dignity are respected, those without are shamed, though defending ones dignity is not always possible. The sparkling water of your ancestral streams is waiting for you! They hate me the most! Come, tell me, share your story with me. I cannot defy the goddess demands, my darling. 9.1", "denarius"). Darling, darling little brother! Here, friends, take this baby to his father, Agamemnon. Menelaos is carrying a staff and has nearly finished reading Agamemnons letter which he has torn from the Old Mans hands. All of you! See, father? Rather, I have an amazing story to tell you about your daughter. Agamemnon You? But I have no such skill. An unrelenting curse. The play has been translated and adapted for various media, from other plays to paintings, operas, novels, and films. Klytaimestra! Iphigeneia Im not afraid to say this in front of everyone: Helen, Tyndareus daughter, has caused wars and the endless spilling of blood because of her body. Dawns light is already being taken over by the fire of the Suns brilliant chariot! Chorus Enjoy now the sacrifice of blood and then help the Greek army launch its expedition to the land of the Phrygians, Troy the treacherous! 1891. I also feel ashamed Iturns towards the tent. Oh, your poor cheeks, your poor beautiful, golden hair, your youthful breasts! CLYTEMNESTRA: Now hear me, for my thoughts will I unfold In no obscure and coloured mode of speech. Agamemnon Yes, I see it and, before you start youd better hand it back to me! Agamemnon Sure, that I can certainly do secretly but theres something else, brother; something I cannot hide. I want to marry you, to take you to my home and to protect you. Achilles I told them that if thats what they thought, then they should not kill my intended wife. If any barbarian dared to bring his ships against these hed never see his home again. My father, my own father has left me! Klytaimestra These are lovely words, Agamemnon but what of your deeds? They might be from the wagon that is bringing the girl here, to the Greek ships. Iphigeneia Stop! Chiron, the wise teacher, was entrusted by a wiser parent! And this, my lady, this is no lie, believe me! Enter a Perseus citation to go to another section or work. Chorus And so, the blessed couple were wed by the gods: The nobly born oldest daughter of Nereas and Peleas. Agamemnon Little girls should not be bothered with such things. Pensively, anxiously. Iphigeneia Yes, mother. Old Man A slave. But listen to me, Iphigeneia. He married her and they had a son, Aeacus who became King of the island Oenone. Im leaving for another world! Iphigeneia hands baby Orestes to her mother, Iphigeneia If only I could sing like Orpheus, father! Only your knees. Look! Theyve all rushed over there to see her. 860. Klytaimestra Ahhh! His head falls into his arms and he begins sobbing. 440. Brothers fight because of lust and because of greed in their inheritance. 480. You win, I cry. In his frenzy, he rushed about the whole ofGreece, calling upon everyone to remember Tyndareus solemn oath and to help him, since he was the wronged husband. Listen to Books & Original Audio Performances : Book Depository Books With Free Delivery Worldwide: Box Office Mojo Find Movie Box Office Data: ComiXology You had come with me to Argos and stayed with me as my servant. I have a greater right to speak than he does! What a price to pay for the sake of saving a slut! 1010. Klytaimestra And kept his promise by bringing her here, to you, all the way from Argos! He sends all sorts of winds to sailors: winds to make them happy to lift their sails and plunge into the sea, winds to make them sad because they must furl their sails; and winds that make other sailors crazy because theyre forced to move too slowly. Related Characters: The Old Man (speaker), Agamemnon , Clytemnestra Related Themes: Whos calling through that half-opened door? If only this town, if only Aulis, had refused to let all these Troy-destined ships enter her harbour! Both you and I, whether we want to or not, must help Hellas stand free Hellas men cannot have their wives stolen from their beds. i. Trans. Menelaos Yes, you may well suffer now because I did break your seal and yes, I do know the secret trickery you were concocting! I was the first to play on your knees, the first one of your children to enjoy your love and the first one to give you a childs love. Where shall I go to find your hand, to ask you to help me in my hour of despair? The moment we got there with your daughter all the Greek soldiers gathered around us. 164. Klytaimestra You? Rolls her hand gently through her own hair. They picked up their spears, strapped on their armour, and rushed over here, inAulis, with ships, troops, and a huge number of horses and chariots. Whether they treat me well or appallingly makes no difference to them. Hide browse bar What does the army want? 990. They will say that even though you werent wedded to her, you were still the poor virgins promised husband. Euripides. Here we are, eagerly obedient to your wish! It is improper for tears to be shed during holy rites. Achilles I know, I have a bloated pride, madam but I can assure you, I feel the pain of misfortune and the joy of success with a wise temper, a moderate temper; because I also know that those with a moderate temper lead a wiser life. Agamemnon My old friend, Thestius daughter, Leda, had three daughters: Phoebe, Klytaimestra (my wife) and Helen. Achilles But, dont worry, Ill certainly make it hard for him! In revenge for Agamemmnon killing one of her sacred stags, the goddess Artemis demands the sacrifice of his eldest daughter . Still, by then it is too late. 0 rating. 1100. I will be led to a godless slaughter by a godless father! Agamemnon He covers his face with his hands in shame and groans. How could I, a mortal, go against that? Klytaimestra But why didnt you deliver that message to me, if it was in your hand? Klytaimestra What? Has the carriage lulled you to sleep? Agamemnon I envy you, old man! I will not have you crying! What do you think I and the rest of your family will feel towards you? Then seiz'd and sever'd me from those I lov'd, And wrench'd with iron grasp the beauteous bands. I just couldnt get through to them! Ah, Menelaos! Old Man Yes, my lady and so, I am more loyal to you than I am to your husband. Her unexpected arrival has added to my ruin. What about your own soldiers, Achilles, what about your Myrmidons? Agamemnon Very soon. Im lost! The strength of the minor characters in Agamemnon distinguishes this play from a number of Aeschylus' other works. Tell me the reason you will give no let me speak on your behalf, because I know what you will say. Klytaimestra Is it your wish to kill our child? Youll be standing right there at the altar. I need to tell you things that our daughter should not hear. Pleasure, my old friend, is a dubious thing, an unstable thing; and as for all the trappings of office, all the power that goes with it, sure they might look sweet from the distance but once you get them, they become unbearable pains! He has used it to lure and snare his daughter and to convince Klytaimestra to bring her here, to me, to be presented as my wife! Youll be back inArgos, taking care of our other daughters. Stay! Attic tragedies were performed in Athens about the 5th century BC. Every one of them is just as unbearable! Let us pray for a good fortune! I shall be accompanying our girl with the wedding song. Agamemnon The entire Greek army, Menelaos! So, we have all gathered here and here we are still, tied down by the weather! Old Man Because Menelaos took it away from me, my lady. Look there! Youve done all you could to help your big sister, havent you? Chorus Gods laws are ruled by lawlessness and mortals dont unite to stand against the wrath of Heaven. Where will I find you? Come, friends, sing with me in praise of the goddess whose temple faces Chalkis, the place where the spears of war are waiting for me in anger! Achilles They were the worst of them all! What is all this loud brawling in front of my tent? Iphigeneia Hands Orestes back to her mother. Iphigenia begs her father not to kill her. Iphigenia was sacrificed in the Boeotian harbor of Aulis, opposite the island of Euboea, or as others say, was saved at the last moment by Artemis, who substituted for her a deer or a bull at the altar, and transported her to Tauris where she later, having met his brother Orestes 2, was brought by him back home. On my part, I wish you all happiness and may you return to the land of your fathers victorious. The altar of Zeus daughter. Those worthy of praise find it a hateful thing when they are praised too profusely. Because the workings of your mind always have been, are now and always will be, deceitful. Old Man So, my lord, why on earth are you wandering about out here, then? Iphigenia and Clytemnestra come to Aulis, and are received with acclamations by the Greeks. I was given as a gift to her father, Tyndareus. We use cookies for essential site functions and for social media integration. Still, its not proper for me to be talking with a woman. Iphigenia at Aulis Cast of Characters: Calchas, an augur Agamemnon, King of Argos Attendant, an old man Menelaus, brother to Agamemnon Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon Iphigenia, daughter to Clytemnestra and Agamemnon Achilles, a warrior Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt Messenger Chorus of Women of Chalcis Attendants to Clytemnestra Let me, instead, save Greece, if I can. Thats what theyll be saying; and all this because of you, Helen! It seems Im eagerly preparing for an imaginary wedding! 340. You may accept or manage cookie usage at any time. Wont you cry with me, Orestes? Summary of Iphigenia in Aulis Prologue The play opens with a prologue which starts with a dubitable, suspiciously non-Euripidean discussion between Agamemnon and a loyal Servant of his, in which the commander of the Greeks under Troy expresses second thoughts over the content of a previously sent letter to his wife Clytemnestra. The gods are no fools and they know when oaths are falsely pledged or forced upon people. The Greek fleet is waiting at Aulis, Boeotia, with its ships ready to sail for Troy, but it is unable to depart due to a strange lack of wind. Awful! Agamemnon Make sure you dont break the seal of the scroll! There, my lady, there, upon the ground, lay a large animal, a beautiful stag, letting out its last breaths. 70. Ill have none of it! with the additional restriction that you offer Perseus any modifications you make. Iphigeneia Yes, mother, please let me run to him before you do. Let that stand for me in place of the children and the marriage I could have had. Agamemnon It will take place after I make the sacrifice. Achilles Ah! 100. IPHIGENIA: Had I, my father, the persuasive voice Of Orpheus, and his skill to charm the rocks To follow me, and soothe whome'er I please With winning words, I would make trial of it; But I have nothing to present thee now Save tears, my only eloquence; and those I can present thee. You mean, the son of Sisyphus? You have been wronged, madam. Fate gave me nothing to be proud of. 1590, He spoke and he said, Chiefs of the Greek army, can you see this offering? 1150. MENELAOS (Agamemnons brother, King ofSparta), IPHIGENIA (Daughter of Agamemnon and Klytaimestra), ACHILLES (Chief of the Myrmidons, an army), SECOND CHORUS (Men and women ofArgos, attendants to Klytaimestra and Iphigeneia). If I could use such a voice and have everyone charmed, have them convinced to agree with me and follow me, then I would use that voice. Klytaimestra O, my darling daughter! iphigenia in aulis monologue mother listen to me 04.07.2022 04.07.2022 She has accepted this offering gladly and has granted us a safe journey for our expedition against Troy. Most treacherously wronged by your closest friends. Should you not be expecting a poisonous welcome since youre departing like a snake? You are the cause of it! 480-406 BC) and being performed in the Outdoor Theater at the Getty Villa from September 7 to 30. Klytaimestra And the feast for us women? Iphigeneia Artemis altar will be my grave. Hold on! Iphigeneia hugs her mother. Chorus Youre a brave girl, Iphigeneia. My country! Menelaos And what aboutGreece? Happy to be at your sisters wedding. Chorus Let Agamemnon place a crown upon the head of Greece and let him be crowned in turn! Chorus Friends, let us sing our prayer to Artemis! Hes coming this way now. Please dont get angry with me. I have my army, the famous Myrmidons, wasting their time hanging about the quiet waters ofEpirus, getting angrier and more impatient by the minute. Klytaimestra Ill certainly try that if thats the last thing I do! How should I start? It would be shameful if Agamemnon saw me touching whats not rightfully mine! 970. Thank you, my sweet daughter! Chiron, they cried out, Chiron who knows well the meaning of Apollos words, foretells that youll give Thessaly a son, a boy wholl be its brightest light. Finally, he picks up the scroll and gets up and moves away from the table. Can I not mourn my daughters loss? Who gave you the right to spy upon my affairs? Click anywhere in the But then, suddenly a miracle happened, my lady! The Greek warriors are waiting for you, anxious to start off for Troy! Shelley Dean Milman. Chorus Go, young girl! Lets not have the common tongues wag against us. Copyright 2000-2023 A. S. Kline, All Rights Reserved. Klytaimestra Elected to commit a murder! Iphigeneia She runs her fingers gently through her mothers hair. First Chorus We have left behind our land, Chalkis, a land washed by the salty waters of glorious Arethousa and weve travelled through the narrow straights of Euripus to come here, toAulis, to this sandy peninsula. How can I endure your death? Its a natural thing for men with decent hearts to do the decent thing. How. Id only be speaking lies and Id be adding disgrace to my miserable Fate! The suitors should all swear a solemn oath, by giving their right hand and by making sacred sacrifices, that each and every one of them would defend the man who won Helens hand in marriage, no matter who that would be and to come to his aid in case someone stole her from their home and thus deprived that man of his legal conjugal bed. Achilles What? Ah, there he is! Do you not care about me any more? In fact, had he asked me for my permission to use my name for this, I would have given it. Come on, Orestes, even babies know when theres trouble around! He, madam, hes the cause of all your torment, madam. Iphigeneia No, mother. Hear my first attack on you: Youve married me by brutal force and by murder. I had put a wedding wreath on her head and brought her here to be your wife. You, grandchild of Aeacus you, too Ledas daughter, stay! Messenger My dear lady I shall. It will be a long time before I return from Troy, a long time before I greet you again. It is a glory that will never wither in the minds of the Greeks. No! Klytaimestra What shall I tell your little sisters? Whos done you wrong and what is it that you want? I do but you dont! Soldiers who have been gathered together, away from the chores of their homes and are idle have malice and gossip ready at their tongue. Your daughter, my lady, has today seen both death and life! Go away old man! Youll soon hear it all. Everyone called Idean because of the Trojan city Idean. Iphigenia's mother Clytemnestra is also determined to save her. On thy knees I hang, A suppliant wreath, this body, which she bore And tell me another thing, Agamemnon: when you return home, when you come back to Argos, will you have the gall to put your arms around any of your children? To Dardanos house, in Troy, to bring back Menelaos wife, Helen. Dont bother making a long speech about it, husband! Such is "Iphigenia" (1977), by Greek director Mikhali (Michael) Cacoyannis, based on Euripedes' tragedy, "Iphigenia in Aulis." "Iphigenia" relates the story of an incident that took place just prior to the Trojan War. I dont want anyone to think despicable things about me. Klytaimestra Stop your shouting. Iphigeneia Pelasgia! You have chosen logic and good intentions to that of continuing a war against Fate and against Necessity. First Chorus Women protect it well by avoiding immoderate love and men by bringing civil order in their city, thus making it great. Do you not want to fight for her? A wise man must keep in his house a good and faithful woman, or else he should never marry! And then am I mad if I had changed my mind about something which I later realised I was wrong? Iphigeneia The same song, mother, the same words tell both our fates, dear mother and I Ive lost the days sweet light, the sweet light of the suns rays! You will be away from me for a very long time. NI 1886. Old Man You have dared to do a most frightening thing, my lord, Agamemnon! But, alas, the road was long, my lord and so the women are now having a rest by the refreshing waters of a spring. She has flown away to the Heavens! Free to mock her! What a dreadful thought to have in your mind! At the tip of their sterns stood the golden statues of Nereids, the emblem of Achilles army. iphigenia in aulis monologue mother listen to me2825 airview blvd kalamazoo, mi 49002. Have you thought of any of this, or do you just go wandering about the army camp proudly waving about the sceptre of a General? What do they want to do with you? The only voice I have, father, my only skill, is in my tears and, here, father, Im giving them to you! Iphigenia in Aulis is the last extant work of the playwright Euripides. But, no, instead of that, I have brought her to her slaughter! They should bring you great joy after such a long absence from your home. Here, father, here is the body of a suppliant! Give me your hand, my dear child. I I am shocked, my lady! Weve been robbed! Im not talking like this because Im missing out on this wedding. And Im very pleased to see you, too! I want neither to overwhelm you by its excess nor insult you by its timidity. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License. Old Man That? She swings him, sadly, gently back and forth and leans over him as she speaks to him. Iphigeneia rushes and embraces Agamemnon. [1375] Eloquence, brother, begets hatred! He is barely visible. Agamemnon No need to tell me to answer you honestly. Klytaimestra Darling, no! Achilles No, my lady, dont call your daughter out to see me. Figure 2.1: A possible sacrifice (Iphigenia or Polyxena). Gone! Helen, the sister of the Heaven-dwelling twins, the Dioscuri.