Study Guide for Euripides' Iphigenia in Aulis - Course Hero Study Guides

Euripides' Iphigenia in Aulis is a powerful and moving tragedy that explores the themes of sacrifice, war, family, honor, duty, loyalty, and betrayal. The play tells the story of Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War, who is forced to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia in order to appease the goddess Artemis and secure a favorable wind for his fleet.

This study guide provides a comprehensive analysis of Iphigenia in Aulis, including a summary of the play, character analysis, themes, and more.

The play opens with Agamemnon receiving a message from the prophet Calchas that the goddess Artemis is demanding the sacrifice of his daughter Iphigenia in order to appease her and secure a favorable wind for the Greek fleet. Agamemnon is horrified by this demand, but he ultimately agrees to sacrifice his daughter in order to put the needs of the army and the war effort ahead of his own personal feelings.

Study Guide for Euripides's Iphigenia in Aulis (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1318 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	96 pages
Reading age	:	14 years and up
Lexile measure	:	1180L
Item Weight	:	3.04 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.31 x 0.26 x 8.2 inches

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Iphigenia is brought to Aulis under the pretense of marrying Achilles, but she soon learns the truth about her fate. She is torn between her duty to her father and her desire to live, but she ultimately accepts her fate with dignity and courage.

The sacrifice of Iphigenia has a profound impact on the characters in the play. Agamemnon is haunted by guilt and remorse, while Clytemnestra, Iphigenia's mother, vows revenge against her husband. Achilles, who was tricked into being a part of the plot to sacrifice Iphigenia, is furious and vows to avenge her death.

The play ends with the Greek fleet finally setting sail for Troy, but the sacrifice of Iphigenia has cast a long shadow over the expedition.

• Agamemnon: The leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. Agamemnon is a complex and tragic figure. He is a strong and decisive leader, but he is also capable of great cruelty and selfishness. Agamemnon's decision to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia is a turning point in the play, and it has a profound impact on his character.
• Clytemnestra: Iphigenia's mother. Clytemnestra is a powerful and vengeful woman. She is furious with Agamemnon for sacrificing their daughter, and she vows revenge against him. Clytemnestra is a complex and tragic figure, and her actions are motivated by both love and hate.
• Iphigenia: Agamemnon and Clytemnestra's daughter. Iphigenia is a young and innocent girl who is caught up in the tragic events of the play. She is a symbol of the innocent victims of war.
• Achilles: A Greek warrior who is tricked into being a part of the plot to sacrifice Iphigenia. Achilles is a noble and courageous warrior, but he is also impulsive and hot-headed. Achilles' anger at Agamemnon for sacrificing Iphigenia is a driving force in the play.

• Sacrifice: The play explores the theme of sacrifice in great detail. Agamemnon is forced to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia in order to appease the goddess Artemis and secure a favorable wind for the Greek fleet. Iphigenia is also willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of her father and her country. The play raises questions about the nature of sacrifice and the extent to which it is justified.
• War: The play is set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. The war has a profound impact on the characters in the play, and it is a major source of conflict and tragedy. The play explores the themes of war and its consequences.
• Family: The play also explores the theme of family. Agamemnon and Clytemnestra are a deeply divided couple, and their relationship is strained by the sacrifice of Iphigenia. The play also explores the relationship between Iphigenia and her parents.
• Honor: The play explores the theme of honor. Agamemnon is concerned with his honor as a leader and a warrior. He believes that he must sacrifice Iphigenia in order to uphold his honor. However, the play also raises questions about the nature of honor and the extent to which it is worth sacrificing for.
• Duty: The play explores the theme of duty. Agamemnon feels that he has a duty to sacrifice Iphigenia in order to secure a favorable wind for the Greek fleet. Iphigenia also feels that she has a duty to her father and her country. The play raises questions about the nature of duty and the extent to which it is worth sacrificing for.
• Loyalty: The play explores the theme of loyalty. Agamemnon is loyal to the Greek army and to his duty as a leader. However, his loyalty is tested by the sacrifice of Iphigenia. Clytemnestra is loyal to her daughter and to her desire for revenge. The play raises questions about the nature of loyalty and the extent to which it is worth sacrificing for.
• Betrayal: The play explores the theme of betrayal. Agamemnon betrays Iphigenia by sacrificing her. Clytemnestra betrays Agamemnon by vowing revenge against him. The play raises questions about the nature of betrayal and the extent to which it is justified.

Iphigenia in Aulis is a powerful and moving tragedy that explores a wide range of themes. The play is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant today.

Study Guide for Euripides's Iphigenia in Aulis (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1318 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	96 pages
Reading age	:	14 years and up
Lexile measure	:	1180L
Item Weight	:	3.04 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.31 x 0.26 x 8.2 inches

FREE