Ascend – The Great Books Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Aeschylus' Oresteia: Agamemnon Explained Part Two
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Hosts: Deacon Harrison Garlick, Adam Minihan, Dr. Grabowski, and Thomas Lackey
Podcast Description: Ascend explores the Great Books that have shaped Western civilization through the lens of the Catholic intellectual tradition. In this episode, the hosts delve into the second half of Aeschylus' Agamemnon, the first play of the Oresteia trilogy.

Introduction

The episode kicks off with Deacon Harrison Garlick introducing the focus on the second half of Aeschylus' Agamemnon, highlighting the exploration of two pivotal characters: Cassandra and Clytemnestra. The discussion centers on their roles, motivations, and the overarching theme of justice as depicted in the play.

Dean Harrison Garlick [00:00]:
"We continue our journey through the Oresteia with the second half of the first play, Agamemnon. We will look at the character Cassandra... and track the concept of justice..."

Agamemnon’s Death and Cassandra’s Role

The hosts reminisce about the previous episode where Agamemnon's ominous return home and the introduction of Cassandra, the Trojan princess with prophetic abilities, were discussed. Cassandra's entrance, marked by her piercing scream, serves as a foreboding element foreshadowing Agamemnon's imminent death.

Thomas Lackey [09:14]:
"She lets out this piercing wail... It would have had the effect of like a jump scare in a horror movie."

Cassandra’s prophecies and the tragic irony that no one believes her despite her accurate visions are central to understanding the play's exploration of fate and free will.

Thomas Lackey [14:17]:
"Cassandra's curse here is such that her prophecies are always true, but her prophecies of the future are never believed."

Character Analysis: Cassandra

Cassandra is portrayed as a hauntingly beautiful and tragic figure whose gift of prophecy is both a blessing and a curse. Her ability to foresee the murder of Agamemnon and the ensuing chaos underscores her role as a vessel of impending doom.

Dean Harrison Garlick [12:33]:
"Cassandra is brought here to die... she is going to die at the house of Atreus and not serving at her father's altar."

Her tragic fate is compared to that of Iphigenia, another innocent victim, highlighting the recurring theme of sacrifice and the destructive consequences of unchecked power.

Thomas Lackey [17:34]:
"Cassandra is in every possible sense the most innocent of victims."

Character Analysis: Clytemnestra

Clytemnestra emerges as a complex antagonist who embodies the primitive concept of justice—lex talionis or “an eye for an eye.” Her calculated murder of Agamemnon and Cassandra is dissected to reveal underlying motives beyond mere revenge, including her desire to reclaim power and disrupt the cursed lineage of the House of Atreus.

Dean Harrison Garlick [36:55]:
"I think she has some motive that's hateful and wrong, but some motive that could be understood as just that she is the redeemer avenging the murder of her child."

Clytemnestra’s identification with the Furies—a manifestation of relentless vengeance—illustrates her transformation into an embodiment of divine retribution.

Dean Harrison Garlick [55:28]:
"Clytemnestra sees herself in a certain way as analogous to the Furies."

The Chorus and Their Role

The chorus, representing the old men of Argos, is depicted as inept and passive observers in the unfolding tragedy. Their inability to intervene effectively during Agamemnon’s murder reflects societal failings and the stagnation within traditional concepts of justice.

Dean Harrison Garlick [50:53]:
"They don’t do anything, right? There is no hero. They just watch him be murdered."

This portrayal underscores the play's critique of outdated justice systems and the dire need for a more rational and humane approach.

Theme of Justice in Agamemnon

A central theme throughout the episode is the exploration of justice, specifically contrasting primitive retributive justice with emerging notions of lawful governance. The hosts argue that Aeschylus uses Agamemnon to critique the lex talionis system, showcasing its inherent flaws and the perpetuating cycle of violence it engenders.

Dean Harrison Garlick [39:44]:
"...the killing of Cassandra is a violation of lex talionis."

The discussion highlights how both Agamemnon and Clytemnestra misuse the concept of justice to justify their heinous actions, leading to further bloodshed and moral ambiguity.

The Cycle of Violence and Lex Talionis

The relentless cycle of vengeance is a recurring motif, emphasizing the destructive nature of lex talionis. The integrity of justice is undermined by personal vendettas, illustrating how the quest for revenge perpetuates suffering across generations.

Thomas Lackey [38:49]:
"We see something like that going on here too. But she feels justified in doing it."

This cycle is further complicated by the introduction of characters like Aegisthus, who embody the perpetuation of familial vengeance.

Agamemnon’s Death: Analysis and Interpretation

A vivid description of Agamemnon’s ignoble death is provided, where he is sabotaged by Clytemnestra using tricky robes that leave him helpless, leading to a gruesome and almost comedic demise. This portrayal contrasts sharply with the noble deaths of heroes in other Greek tragedies, underscoring the play’s darker exploration of human nature and justice.

Dean Harrison Garlick [47:31]:
"Agamemnon... getting stabbed there. And he can't even die without there being a somewhat comedic layer to this."

Introduction of Aegisthus

Aegisthus, Thyestes' son and central figure in avenging his father’s wrongs, is introduced as another avenger in the House of Atreus' cursed lineage. His motives intertwine personal vengeance with a broader quest for justice, further complicating the narrative’s moral landscape.

Thomas Lackey [20:18]:
"Aegisthus is Thyestes' son... the avenger of his crime against both his brothers and his father."

The hosts juxtapose Aegisthus with Orestes, who is destined to avenge Agamemnon, to explore differing models of vengeance and justice.

Comparisons to Homer and Other Literature

The episode draws parallels between Aeschylus’ Agamemnon and Homeric epics, noting how Aeschylus adds layers of complexity to familiar narratives. Additionally, connections are made to modern literature, such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth, illustrating the enduring relevance of these ancient themes.

Thomas Lackey [79:01]:
"Shakespeare drew a lot from here... Titus Andronicus."

Conclusion and Implications for Future Episodes

The hosts conclude by reflecting on the intricate portrayal of justice in Agamemnon and its implications for the subsequent plays in the Oresteia trilogy. They emphasize Aeschylus' role as a philosophical teacher, urging listeners to consider the evolution of justice from personal vengeance to institutionalized law.

Dean Harrison Garlick [66:25]:
"They don’t have a third. They don’t have a principle of justice to appeal to. That's the whole problem."

The episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the next play, Libation Bearers, promising further unraveling of the tangled web of justice, vengeance, and redemption.

Dean Harrison Garlick [80:19]:
"These plays would have been performed not long after the reinstatement of democracy in Athens... the Oresteia really does, I think, crystallize this question of justice as well as one could."

Notable Quotes:

• Dean Harrison Garlick [05:30]:
  "We're tracking the concept of justice and how Aeschylus presents it in different facets."

• Thomas Lackey [14:17]:
  "Cassandra's curse here is such that her prophecies are always true, but her prophecies of the future are never believed."

• Dean Harrison Garlick [39:44]:
  "The killing of Cassandra is a violation of lex talionis."

• Thomas Lackey [20:18]:
  "Aegisthus is Thyestes' son... the avenger of his crime against both his brothers and his father."

• Dean Harrison Garlick [66:25]:
  "They don’t have a third. They don’t have a principle of justice to appeal to. That's the whole problem."

• Thomas Lackey [79:01]:
  "Shakespeare drew a lot from here... Titus Andronicus."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Ascend – The Great Books Podcast offers a profound analysis of Aeschylus' Agamemnon, delving deep into the intricate dynamics of its characters and the philosophical underpinnings of justice. By juxtaposing ancient themes with modern interpretations, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the play’s enduring relevance and its critical commentary on human nature and societal structures. As the series progresses, listeners can anticipate further exploration of the Oresteia trilogy's complexities, culminating in the resolution of its central moral quandaries.