A herald arrives first, ready to announce Agamemnon. He is glad to be home, finally. The Chorus greets him gladly, surprising him somewhat. Given the chance, he complains of the drearyness of soldiering, wondering if the victory was worth the pain.
Clytemnestra enters, brags about being right about the bonfire signals' meaning. Is happy over her husband's return, glad to tell him of her faithfulness while he was gone. A little too eager to tell him that, actually.
Chorus asks of Menelaus. Herald tells how they lost his ship on the journey home. Chorus: So Helen claimed another great man. Just as, through Paris, she claimed an entire great city. She's like a lion cub raised by humans-- seductive, but suddenly turning on them and bringing utter destruction. An argument-- does greatness bring an expectation of (unattainable) greatness, leading to downfall? Or do sins like Pride lead to future wickedness that bring about downfall?
The Chorus welcomes Agamemnon, but worried that their enthusiasm will appear an act. After all, they were quite dismayed when he slaughtered his daughter at the start of his mission.
Agamemnon tells of his triumph. But he's concerned of the people's resentment behind their praise of his success. Promises an open reign so they may build their city together.
Clytemnestra tells of her pain as she waited for her husband's return, hearing constant false reports of his demise. She had to send away their son, Orestes, for his protection. But that's all past, and now is a time for joy. Lay out the purple carpet and tapestries for Agamemnon's entrance!
Back and forth. A: Um, that's not necessary. C: What's the problem? A: I just don't feel like it. C: Come on. Do it for me. This is what I prepared for you.
Agamemnon relents, stepping down from the carriage, and so revealing Cassandra. A: Oh, yeah, her. She came back with me. Never mind. On we go! (But doesn't proceed.)
C: Let's go, honey. All this royal carpet. All for you. You deserve it. Move! (He does.)
Chorus: That was weird. Things aren't nearly as positive as we thought they'd be right now.
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Lots of false modesty on Agamemnon's part, and passive aggressiveness from Clytemnestra. I'm digging it.
Since the audience already knows the story again, they must be grinning in anticipation for Clytemnestra's new husband. I sure am.
My first reaction to seeing Cassandra's name in The Iliad is looking pretty silly by now. She's everywhere. I'm an idiot.
More direct criticism of the drudgery of war. Biographical question: Is Aeschylus speaking with first-hand knowledge? What war?
After lookup: In the 490 BC war against the Persians (led by Darius), Aeschylus fought in the battle at Marathon. Also fought against Xerxes in 479 BC. Awesome.
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