I take your kind welcome and gracious words as signs of a good omen. Im lost! [1340] Open the tent-door to me, servants, that I may hide myself Clytemnestra Why seek to escape, my child? IPHIGENIA IN AULIS - Monologue (Iphigenia) A monologue from the play by Euripides NOTE: This monologue is reprinted from The Plays of Euripides in English, vol. Be careful not to disgrace your ancestors house. As the play opens, Iphigenia introduces herself. Lets not have the common tongues wag against us. Then Agamemnon came to me and ordered me to come here and tell you what Fate the gods have granted to your daughter. Chorus Youre a brave girl, Iphigeneia. Now, come, take me away to the altar! Agamemnon No, the wedding was held in the sacred valleys of Pelion, where Cheiron lives. Iphigeneia But but look at you, father! Not a sound to be heard anywhere, old man! First Chorus Their captain was Eurytus. And then, if his prophesies are found to be false, he vanishes! How could I ever speak the truth now? Why should I, a faithful wife, endure the misery of having my daughter killed while she, a slut, gets to rejoice by having her daughter kept safely at home, in Sparta? Klytaimestra Our other daughters are looked after well and they are safe in their quarters. Klytaimestra Will anyone come to take her away? 65. Download Pleiades ancient places geospacial dataset for this text. No, youve brought me to life so that the whole of Greece may rejoice! What a hateful, bitter sight is Helen! What an awful burden Helen andTroyhave become for us! You can see it! This surely is nothing more than drivel spat out of the mouth of a mad old man! View a map of the most frequently mentioned places in this document. A good man, my brother, must not change his manner just because his life is going well. So angry were my twin brothers, the Dioscuri, that they came charging down from Zeus side on their glistening horses to fight you but you went begging to my old father, Tyndareus and he, not only saved you but made me your wife! Old Man He tricked you about the marriage with Achilles, my lady, so that youd be willing to come here. Now call her out here so she can follow me to the altar. They say that Zeus had transformed himself into a bird and then slept with your mother. No tomb, no tombstone! One of his servants go and tell him that Achilles, Peleas son is here, waiting for him, at the entrance of his tent! And then am I mad if I had changed my mind about something which I later realised I was wrong? Ill obey your every command. She leans before him and embraces his knees. I dont understand, father. Chorus He is the Trojan Ganymede, the loving delight of Zeus bed! Hide browse bar The girl is with the gods! This man has forcefully and unjustly ripped your letter from my hands, my lord! Menelaos Act according to your position, or youll be very sorry, old man! No, it will not be necessary. Im coming, my lord Im coming! Achilles Me, too! Whats in your mind, this time, my lord Agamemnon? Cheiron, the centaur did, so that the child might be brought up not knowing the behaviour of evil men. There is no point. Klytaimestra And is that where hell take our daughter? "I envy you old man. He sends all sorts of winds to sailors: winds to make them happy to lift their sails and plunge into the sea, winds to make them sad because they must furl their sails; and winds that make other sailors crazy because theyre forced to move too slowly. Klytaimestra But why? Agamemnon The words I have written here, old man, are these: 119, Ledas daughter, Klytaimestra, Im sending you a second letter to replace the first. Iphigenia in Aulis (a.k.a. Look there! They will reach the silvery eddies of the Simois river that runs through Apollos stronghold, the rocky plains ofTroy. IPHIGENIA Had I, my father, the persuasive voice Of Orpheus, and his skill to charm the rocks To follow me, and soothe whome'er I please With winning words, I would make trial of it; But I have nothing to present thee now Save tears, my only eloquence; and those I can present thee. She is a loving mother, and when her husband orders to kill their daughter, she bears a deep grudge against hi, and vows to take vengeance . Old Man That? Chorus That is, if what they say about you being Ledas daughter is true. On thy knees I hang, A suppliant wreath, this body, which she bore Menelaos True. But Iphigenia, having determined to die nobly on behalf of the Greeks, was snatched away by the Goddess, and a stag substituted in her place. The plain truth. Agamemnon dares to commit a most dreadful deed! Go, now! Iphigeneia But there is no loss, mummy! Come, my lord, lets go back inside! The barbarians will no longer abduct them and carry them off from our wealthy shores, once Helens abduction by Paris has been avenged. What star could that be, that one, gliding across the sky up there? Believe me, I wont be exaggerating. Soon youll wake up a happy young man, my son. Your own baby! Agamemnon What? CLYTEMNESTRA Now hear me, for my thoughts will I unfold In no obscure and coloured mode of speech. Thats where all the gods held the wedding feast. Agamemnon Menelaos! Remember, father? You, girls! 411, Menelaos Enjoy the glory of your sceptre then! Mother, wholl come with me when theyll come and drag me by my hair? Iphigenia at Aulis seems to have been constructed in a society in which it was ideal to put nation and family ahead of oneself. Klytaimestra You? Iphigeneia at Aulis. And so, soldiers, take heart and head for your ships because today we must leave behind the deep harbours of Aulis and cross our way through the vast Aegean sea!, And when the animal was thoroughly burned in the flames of the god of fire, Hephaistus, and when the holy rites were completed, Calchas prayed for our safe return. But, no, instead of that, I have brought her to her slaughter! The only other Greeks who know about this are Calchas, Odysseus and Menelaos. What an awful Fate the gods have delivered to you! No, he gave you life so that you may understand pain, as well as pleasure. Famously, they partnered on Seamus Heaney's "The Burial at Thebes" at the Guthrie in fall 2011. Old Man Yes, my lady and so, I am more loyal to you than I am to your husband. Hes gone out a while ago and Iphigeneia, in the meantime, has heard how her father is planning to kill her. Agamemnon Thank you, friend. They will speak badly of you if you do not help her. Your current position in the text is marked in blue. Agamemnon You, too, Iphigeneia, you also have a journey to make. Oh, my sweet daughter! Iphigenia and Clytemnestra come to Aulis, and are received with acclamations by the Greeks. The gods are no fools and they know when oaths are falsely pledged or forced upon people. Iphegenia at Aulis) was left unfinished at Euripides' death in 406 BCE, and so the beginning and the ending especially are mutilated and choppy.Completed by someone else, it along with The Bacchae and the lost Alcmaeon formed a trio produced in Athens which won Euripides a fifth albeit posthumous first prize.. Agamemnon recounts the recent history of Helen's suitors . Iphigenia at Aulis (the title is sometimes rendered as Iphigenia in Aulis) has been criticised for its melodrama, but its portrayal of the central character's decision to agree to renounce her life for the 'greater good', and Agamemnon's ambivalence about sacrificing his own daughter, make it a curious and satisfying play which repays close analysis . 773. But I see a letter in your hand. I shall serve Greece! [1375] Menelaos Let go! What did you say? Exit Achilles. Come, son of the goddess, lend us a hand, help us, or else we are doomed! Iphigeneia Hands Orestes back to her mother. Klytaimestra And you will abandon your mother like this? The very last thing you do. Agamemnon That will be his decision. The play has been translated and adapted for various media, from other plays to paintings, operas, novels, and films. Women, help her. Old Man A slave. And you, dear wife, daughter of Leda, I ask forgiveness from you, too, for all my tears. Chorus Alas! IPHIGENIA A T A ULIS presents many problems to the literary and textual critic. The future of our Greek women rests upon my actions. Last Updated on July 14, 2022, by eNotes Editorial. Be thankful to her because it is she who was looking after you and brought about all this for you, because, the truth is, neither you nor all of your power had anything to do with it. You are, indeed, a noble soul and you leave me speechless and unable to argue against your views. First Chorus Our husbands told us they are all gathered here, under the helm of Agamemnon and his fair haired brother, Menelaos, noblemen both, preparing to launch an expedition againstTroy. 303. Lets think through this together, my lady. Finally, he picks up the scroll and gets up and moves away from the table. Called me slave to a wedding bed! Who is this exquisite looking woman I see here? Iphigenia in Aulis is the last extant work of the playwright Euripides. A nanny is holding the baby Orestes in her arms. What a disgraceful behaviour! MENELAOS (Agamemnons brother, King ofSparta), IPHIGENIA (Daughter of Agamemnon and Klytaimestra), ACHILLES (Chief of the Myrmidons, an army), SECOND CHORUS (Men and women ofArgos, attendants to Klytaimestra and Iphigeneia). Dance, girls, dance around Artemis altar! Gone are the harsh words, suddenly! Iphigeneia Stop! Agamemnon Where, darling? Copyright 2000-2023 A. S. Kline, All Rights Reserved. We also let the horses loose to drink and to graze at a meadow nearby. First Chorus Oh, Lady, goddess of love, Aphrodite! Agamemnon Here, at the harbour, near our beautiful Greek ships. Enter AGAMEMNON and ATTENDANT. 1318. 1090. I am resolved to die; and this I want to do with honor, dismissing from me what is mean. It was there, at that meadow, that these three women came before Paris to put an end to their dire contest about which of them was the most beautiful. I can see you there now: a nobleman becoming a brother-in-law to a nobleman, to the divine Achilles, the son of Thetis the Nereid. What a sweet joy! 340. I will never permit your husband to perform such treacherous deeds! Unjustly but I must! And Im very pleased to see you, too! Attic tragedies were performed in Athens about the 5th century BC. materials crossword clue 9 letters. Od. Helen fell in love with him and he fell in love with Helen. ATTENDANT I come; what new schemes now, king Agamemnon? Klytaimestra The whole army? Agamemnon He lives in Phthia, by the river Apidanus. Please refer to our Privacy Policy. Agamemnon shall never lay a finger on your daughter not even to touch her robes! Finally, my old friend, he came upon the answer. Chorus Let Agamemnons spear see victory! Still, the girl came up close to him and said, Daddy, here I am, ready to do as you say. Agamemnon And you shouldnt be hanging around here, among all the soldiers! Iphigeneia begins towards the tent but is stopped by her father. Klytaimestra What shall I tell your little sisters? The Chorus turns in the direction of the scream and responds! Achilles I did but theyre shouting at me, too! Menelaos No, youre not! Menelaos Odysseus will give us no trouble. Youre the son of a god and I am a mere mortal! Achilles He was elected, all right, but he didnt say no! Its young Orestes, a baby still. Iphigenia in Aulis has been added to your Cart . They should bring you great joy after such a long absence from your home. Of beauty kindling flames of love, High on my splendid car I move, Betrothed to Thetis' son a bride: Ah hapless bride, to all the train. Why are we wasting our time around here? 1150. And I also hear what theyve done to me! Word Count: 1230. Klytaimestra These are lovely words, Agamemnon but what of your deeds? Let me, instead, save Greece, if I can. Then Achilles, Peleas son, took the golden basket and the holy water in his hands and ran around the goddess altar, chanting. But I will talk: the strong ought to help the weak where they can, even if they have little to do with their plight. 990. A safe return? I envy any man whose life passes quietly, unnoticed by fame. Achilles Who? Here comes Agamemnon! Iphigeneia Youre going off on a long journey daddy and youre living me behind! You will be away from me for a very long time. We use cookies for essential site functions and for social media integration. Ha, ha, ha! Ill have none of it! Iphigeneia Wish them joy for me and take good care of my little brother, Orestes for me. 272. Well then, tell me: what will your prayer, your plea to the gods be? Later, he becomes so angry that he picks up the wooden frame upon which the scroll rests and throws it violently to the ground. Whats going on? some of them ask. Agamemnon approaches Iphigeneia and tries to console her. The more I hold you in my arms the more the tears rush to my eyes. What will you ask the gods to grant you as your knife cuts through your daughters throat? Chorus And to the feast of the gods and to Bacchus wine-mixing bowl came, too, with spears of fir and with wreaths of green leaves, the troupe of horse-mounted centaurs. I was the first to play on your knees, the first one of your children to enjoy your love and the first one to give you a childs love. I am going to go and speak with your husband. Let our friends here see how happy you make me. Open navigation menu. 630. Achilles, initially, vows to defend Iphigenia. Perhaps were both being deceived. Related Characters: The Old Man (speaker), Agamemnon , Clytemnestra Related Themes: iphigenia in aulis monologue mother listen to meemerald sea vessel mcdermott. The returned soldier has been a central figure in the first wave of Canadian plays to deal with the War in Afghanistan. The choruses "Que d'attraits" and "Non, jamais, jamais aux regards" are full of grace. Cassandra who shakes loose her golden hair beneath the green garland of laurel whenever the god grips her with his prophetic gasp. Agamemnon Achilles is acting in name only and not in deed. First Chorus Different words now but better. Once the wise old Tyndareus had convinced them all to take these oaths, he allowed his daughter to choose the suitor she liked and Helen allowed herself to be guided by the sweet, lusty sighs of Aphrodite in her heart. Whether I do it or I dont, the consequences for me will be the same. Id rather live a life full of misery than die a heros death! 1540. It was written sometime between 408 and 406 BCE (the date of his death) and was first produced in the year following his death, where it won first place at the Athenian City Dionysia contest. Klytaimestra What shall I do for you in Argos? Chorus Go, young girl! 1421. Chiron, they cried out, Chiron who knows well the meaning of Apollos words, foretells that youll give Thessaly a son, a boy wholl be its brightest light. Listen to Books & Original Audio Performances : Book Depository Books With Free Delivery Worldwide: Box Office Mojo Find Movie Box Office Data: ComiXology 0 rating. You, Paris, you son of Priam! Let someone go and prepare the sacrificial basket and may the blessed fire burn high with the purifying barley. First Chorus Mortals vary in body as well as in mind but true virtue, which comes from a good upbringing and a good education, always stands out. - Taken from "Iphigenia in Aulis" written by Euripides Read more Previous page Print length 94 pages Language English Publication date February 10, 2022 Dimensions Agamemmnon's fleet is stranded by bad weather in the bay of Aulis and his troops are growing mutinous. Every one of them is just as unbearable! If I must then I shall wash away her oracle with my blood, with my sacrifice upon her altar. Soldiers, go and tear down Troy! 20. Come on, wont you beg your father not to kill your big sister? From now on I will live there in that other world. Achilles I know, I have a bloated pride, madam but I can assure you, I feel the pain of misfortune and the joy of success with a wise temper, a moderate temper; because I also know that those with a moderate temper lead a wiser life. Still, its not proper for me to be talking with a woman. And, no, I will not murder my children and certainly wont do it so that you can wrongfully enjoy some sort of vengeance exacted from a disgraceful wife, while I waste away in tears day and night because I had committed such a godless crime against them, against my own flesh and blood. Your fathers holy water is waiting for you! Can you pronounce this word better. Klytaimestra I know well that you are an old servant of my house. My home! You might still change your mind. Old Man To stop you By then he had come back to his senses. Why run away? Messenger No, my lady! First Chorus And it is a great thing to follow the footprints of virtue like a hunter follows the footprints of his prey. 420, The soldiers talk and they ask questions. Iphigeneia is crying. The circumstances are too dire now for modesty and for polite coyness! Is being a General the only thing in your head? Klytaimestra Oh, Gods! Klytaimestra Hes an evil man, my husband. First Chorus There you were, Paris: a man brought up to be a cowherd, looking after the grazing, white cows of Ida with their heavy udders, playing Asian tunes in your reedy pipes, airs much like those Trojan songs from Mount Olympus when, suddenly, you had to judge between three goddesses; and it was this judging that has sent you to Helens ivory palace in Hellas. My hair! However, when Agamemnon breaks down in tears, Menelaus relents. The Aenians brought twelve ships, captained by their king, Gouneus; and beside them were moored the lords ofEliswhom everyone called Epeians. Can you not see these men in full armour? But now? Now, Ill tell you everything Ive written in this folded scroll because you are a true and loyal servant to my house and to my wife. What does the army want? Why are you leaving? Where shall I go to find your hand, to ask you to help me in my hour of despair? This is a dreadful thing for me to do but it is just as dreadful not to do it. They first worked. And how can I be certain that this isnt just an idle little story to cheer me up, to ease my dreadful grief for you? Moderate. 1260. London. No, its not me whos gone mad, brother but you. Chorus And their call to the Nereid was loud and clear: 1061. See, father? All of us we all heard the awful thud of the striking sword but when we looked up, we could not see the girl anywhere! 480-406 BC) and being performed in the Outdoor Theater at the Getty Villa from September 7 to 30. Euripides (484 BCE - 406 BCE) Translated by Theodore Alois Buckley (1825 - 1856). Clytemnestra But why? They picked up their spears, strapped on their armour, and rushed over here, inAulis, with ships, troops, and a huge number of horses and chariots. Listen, mother; hear what thoughts have passed across my mind. Its a common thing for a man to be shy when he meets his relatives for the first time and theyre talking about marriage! It is a glory that will never wither in the minds of the Greeks. Youll soon hear it all. Intelligence, brother, can turn any man into a head of State. Here, father, here is the body of a suppliant! Iphigenia In Aulis - Read online for free. One of the myths in the Cypria inspired the tragedy Iphigenia in Aulis, written by Euripides (ca. She goes to her death, so her father won't have to carry the guilt of. Ah, but this impudence of yours will miss its mark! Iphigeneia Dont leave home, daddy. changes, storing new additions in a versioning system. Here, friends, take this baby to his father, Agamemnon. 929. She has accepted this offering gladly and has granted us a safe journey for our expedition against Troy. You, too, Menelaos, get everything ready for this joyous occasion and lets hear the flutes sing and the dancers pound the earth with their feet. Agamemnon I would, but some god has made both you andGreeceinsane! I offer my body to my country and to the rest of Greece, willingly. Klytaimestra Answer me honestly, my husband! $3.99 delivery March 10 - 14. Helen, the sister of the Heaven-dwelling twins, the Dioscuri. ("Agamemnon", "Hom. In revenge for Agamemmnon killing one of her sacred stags, the goddess Artemis demands the sacrifice of his eldest daughter . Under no circumstances should any of this work be used as part of a collage, which includes the work of other writers or translators. 560. We took Iphigeneia to the forest of Zeus daughter, Artemis. Klytaimestra Elected to commit a murder! Let me hug him tightly against my breast before you do! Can you see this stag, this animal that walks about in the mountains? You locked yourself up indoors and became totally unapproachable to everyone. First Chorus Joy will come to those who share their marriage bed with the calm of Aphrodites love and not with the frenzy of Eros stinging arrows! They hate me the most! Klytaimestra You, alone? Klytaimestra turns away angrily and enters the tent. At the tip of their sterns stood the golden statues of Nereids, the emblem of Achilles army. In fact, had he asked me for my permission to use my name for this, I would have given it. Agamemnon And when you come across some fork in the road, check it carefully. Think nothing of it! Daddy, do you want to kill me? Second Chorus Look there: our Lords daughter, Iphigeneia, our princess; and there, his wife and Tyndareus daughter, our Lady, Klytaimestra! iphigenia in aulis monologue mother listen to me2825 airview blvd kalamazoo, mi 49002. What a lusty fervour the whole ofGreecehas stirred up for this expedition! Here, then, I have suffered the greatest misfortune yet I am ashamed to cry just as I am also ashamed to hold back my tears. Klytaimestra Whats wrong? Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. Rolls her hand gently through her own hair. What a dreadful thought to have in your mind! Hell be the man wholl take his army of spear-loving Myrmidons and turn Priams city into rubble. Im leaving for another world! Whos calling through that half-opened door? I must go. Chorus Even though you were not raised among the sounds of the shepherds flute, even though you were raised, instead, by your mothers side, raised to be adorned one day as a bride to one of Iachus descendants, you, my young girl, will be dragged down like a spotted deer, or like a young heifer is dragged down from some rocky mountains cave, dragged down there to the goddess altar. Figure 2.1: A possible sacrifice (Iphigenia or Polyxena). 890, Old Man He had sent me off to bring you a letter, madam about the first message. Im giving you my tears! Here comes the king himself, my lady. Dire to me because it brought about my death. Oh! It is our custom to bury sacrificial offerings. And others, is there going to be a wedding? Yet others again, did the king call his daughter here because hes missed her? Then there were others who said, the girl will be presented to the goddess Artemis, protector ofAulis, before the wedding. As Iphigeneia approaches her, Agamemnon enters. It is a horrible thing for one to lose a child! Chorus A man whose body will be clothed in golden armour, fashioned by Hephaistos himself and given as a gift to him by his divine mother. 1070. Then you scratch away the seal and then you throw its pine frame onto the ground and then you begin to cry profusely! A teller of truth one time and a teller of lies one thousand times if hes lucky! They will say that even though you werent wedded to her, you were still the poor virgins promised husband. When I first thought you were going to be my son-in-law, I had high hopes vain hopes as it turned out but hopes nevertheless. 583. Youve persuaded me with wise words. Oh, goddess who lets her brilliant light roll along through the gloomy darkness of the night! Come out here immediately! Klytaimestra But Achilles, think again! Here I am. You began and ended your speech with fine sentiments. Chorus What joyful news that messenger has brought you, my lady! Agamemnon Look, the sacrificial ceremony is ready. Then the priest took hold of the sword and, after a few words of prayer, began searching the girls neck looking for the best place to strike. Chorus Enjoy now the sacrifice of blood and then help the Greek army launch its expedition to the land of the Phrygians, Troy the treacherous!