“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.
5 responses so far ↓
Gregory Szymanski // Oct 22nd 2014 at 9:37 pm
Clytemnestra definitely does not fit the stereotypical female role that we talked about in class. Instead of being boundlessly obedient to her husband she is willing to betray him and take revenge upon him for the bad doings that he has committed to her and her love ones. One of her most outstanding traits that we considered as manly is her lust for revenge. The murder of her husband was a planned act, not just a instantaneous reaction of the moment. In this case she reminds me of Odysseus who delayed the killing of the suitors so he could pick the best moment for it. I wouldn’t say that Clytemnestra’s attitude towards Cassadra reinforces gender stereotypes. She is just the part of her vengeance. If I would pick one moment to find a more female part of Clytemnestra I would focus on the relation with her children which she seems to miss dearly and can’t forgive Agamemnon for killing their daughter. This love for her offspring is more of female trait.
Lindsey Posch // Oct 23rd 2014 at 8:51 am
I really enjoyed your discussion and felt that you brought up a lot of good points. I agree that Clytemnestra did not fit into the typical model of a woman. She was powerful, strong, manipulative, and always hungry for more. The point you made about Cassandra really made me think about her role in the play. She defiantly played a typical woman role, swept away by a man to be nothing more than his sex partner. Clytemnestra showed no compassion for Cassandra even though she was a slave, cursed, and had no family. Clytemnestra wanted to break out of character and act more like a man to be taken more seriously. I agree that Clytemnestra takes five steps back as she murders Cassandra. She acted just like a man would, the total opposite of what she was trying to do.
This idea is demonstrated in life today. Of course rights for woman have progressed and most people see man and woman as equal, there are still so many aspects of life that woman are seen as second class to men.
STEPHAN BRAKYE // Oct 23rd 2014 at 10:33 am
Great discussion! You made a lot of really valid points, and brought up a lot of interesting concepts that could be very easily overlooked. I know for my personally, you gave me a lot to think about as you spoke. I think maybe the most important thing you brought up, for me… was the distinction between Clytemnestra and Penelope. The differences between them brought me clarity into the ideas of the perceptions of women in ancient greece.
Great Job!
m.uddin // Oct 24th 2014 at 8:36 pm
Clytemnestra does not fit in the category of a regular women. She greedy and power hungry. Instead of helping her husband she took revenge on him and killed him. Only women character Clytemnestra have is she cares for her children.
s.chang1 // Nov 4th 2014 at 2:20 pm
It was great discussion. I just want to point out that I read a story of Clytemnestra before she got married to Agamemnon. Losing her daughter is not the only reason Clytemnestra planned to kill Agamemnon. Clytemnestra was married to another man before Agamemnon. Agamemnon killed her husband and son and kidnapped Clytemnestra to married her. Clytemnestra was definitely not happy with her marriage.