Employing an advanced technique, Aeschylus fills his tragedy, Oresteia: The Agamemnon, with layers of multiplicity. Essentially, multiplicity in this tragedy entails using dialogues containing several meanings to convey truths about Greek society and to shed light on situations outside the current action. Aeschylus’ use of this dramatic tool contributes to the success of the novel and adds depth to the meaning of the characters’ conversations. Furthermore, it affords the audience an opportunity to personally interpret the underlying messages. Aeschylus does not use multiplicity as an embellishment; rather, he uses it to present a developed argument enhanced by the characters’ experiences and positions in society.
While several of the characters …show more content…
In general, ancient Greek society perceived women as submissive and weaker than men. Women were not to have their own opinions nor voice opposition to male leaders or their husbands. The Agamemnon challenges the typical role of women with a strong personality in Clytemnestra. She, like Penelope in The Odyssey, assumes control of the land while her husband fights in the Trojan War. This position of power and independence defies the quiet role that society expects females to undertake. Both the chorus alone and Clytemnestra address the role of women in …show more content…
Aeschylus demonstrates superior control over his language as he manipulates words to impact both the plot in the tragedy as well as make the issues of murder and gender roles relatable to the audience. Aeschylus carefully crafts the speech patterns of the chorus and Clytemnestra to invoke multiple meanings and play a significant role in determining solutions to the issues presented. By changing the number of referents throughout the play, the multiplicities have a deeper effect on the audience and highlights the important aspects of Grecian society called into question. Eloquently executed, Aeschylus’ use of multiplicity helps explain pertinent issues such as the justified consequence for murder and the role of women in society. As with several Greek tragedies, the initial installment of The Oresteia contains heightened emotions and leads one to ponder if society needs to change, and, if so, how to enact that
While several of the characters …show more content…
In general, ancient Greek society perceived women as submissive and weaker than men. Women were not to have their own opinions nor voice opposition to male leaders or their husbands. The Agamemnon challenges the typical role of women with a strong personality in Clytemnestra. She, like Penelope in The Odyssey, assumes control of the land while her husband fights in the Trojan War. This position of power and independence defies the quiet role that society expects females to undertake. Both the chorus alone and Clytemnestra address the role of women in …show more content…
Aeschylus demonstrates superior control over his language as he manipulates words to impact both the plot in the tragedy as well as make the issues of murder and gender roles relatable to the audience. Aeschylus carefully crafts the speech patterns of the chorus and Clytemnestra to invoke multiple meanings and play a significant role in determining solutions to the issues presented. By changing the number of referents throughout the play, the multiplicities have a deeper effect on the audience and highlights the important aspects of Grecian society called into question. Eloquently executed, Aeschylus’ use of multiplicity helps explain pertinent issues such as the justified consequence for murder and the role of women in society. As with several Greek tragedies, the initial installment of The Oresteia contains heightened emotions and leads one to ponder if society needs to change, and, if so, how to enact that