“The Trojan war and the relationship of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra are already fraught with conflicts embedded in gender roles. Then the chorus prepares the audience for the entrance of Clytemnestra by linking gender with certain attributes of character. They suggest that steady resolve and intensity of purpose are gender-specific when they refer to the male (inner) strength of Clytemnestra” (Case 323).
For today’s discussion, I will be focusing on gender roles in Agamemnon. Does Clytemnestra fit into the mold of woman; the feminine traits women are supposed to possess? Or does she go against this society-accepted model?
The character of Clytemnestra in Agamemnon is perplexing as the role she embraces is frequently altering. Many characters depict Clytemnestra in a manly manner whilst alluding to her femininity; “That woman-she manoeuvres like a man” (14). In addition, Clytemnestra utilizes dialect generally held for male characters. This “manly” representation proceeds in the behaviors and activities Clytemnestra exhibits throughout the play, with a final climax (in this part of the trilogy) of Mariticide (not to be confused with matricide).
Through examination, it is conceivable to consider Clytemnestra’s dismissal of her gender role.
However, does Clytemnestra’s behavior towards Cassandra somehow reinforce gender stereotypes? How? And if not, why?
I will be making reference to Classic Drag: The Greek Creation of Female Parts, by Sue-Ellen Case, which further delves into female roles in Greek society and drama, focusing on the theater and men’s representation of woman.