“O Woman, like a man faithful and wise.”

Clytemnestra proves that she is capable of leadership and control.

A Woman of Revenge: The strongest part of Clytemnestra’s character is her desire for revenge. She never forgets that Agamemnon sacrificed their daughter, Iphigenia, to please the goddess Artemis. This cruel act breaks her heart forever. From that moment, she waits for the chance to punish her husband. For her, Agamemnon is not a hero returning from war but a murderer of her child. She says,

“New blood spurts out before the old wound heals.”

This line shows her revengeful attitude. She means that she will never forgive her husband’s crime. She plans his death slowly and patiently.

Cunning and Deceptive Nature: Clytemnestra is very clever and deceptive. She hides her true feelings under sweet words. When Agamemnon returns home, she welcomes him warmly. She speaks like a loving wife. She praises him and pretends to honor him. She even persuades him to walk on the purple/red carpet, which is a sign of pride and a sin against the gods. Agamemnon hesitates at first, but her loving talk makes him walk on the carpet. Clytemnestra says:

“There is the sea. Who will drain it dry?”

It means nothing can end Agamemnon’s good fortune. Behind this loving behavior, she is already planning his murder. This shows her skill in deception and manipulation.

A Ruthless Woman: Clytemnestra is not afraid of bloodshed. She kills Agamemnon herself. She traps him with a net in the bathtub and stabs him to death. After the murder, she does not feel shame or fear. Instead, she proudly declares what she has done:

“My moment’s come at last,...
I stand now where I struck.”

She believes her act is justified. This shows her cruelty and cold-hearted nature. She acts more like a warrior than a traditional woman. Her violence shocks the Chorus and the audience.

Defying Gender Roles: In ancient Greek society, women were expected to be quiet and obedient. Clytemnestra completely breaks these rules. She rules a kingdom, plans a murder, and speaks openly in public. The Chorus often criticizes her for behaving like a man. But she does not care about their opinions. She proves that women can be powerful, dangerous, and decisive.

Complex Morality: While Clytemnestra’s desire for revenge is understandable, her morality is ambiguous. On one hand, she seeks justice for her daughter’s death. On the other hand, she has an affair with Aegisthus, who is Agamemnon’s cousin and enemy. Her affair corrupts her motive. She proudly stands beside Aegisthus after the murder and rules Argos with him.

In conclusion, Clytemnestra is a complex character made of strength, intelligence, pain, revenge, and infidelity. She is a loving mother, a clever ruler, a deceptive wife, and a ruthless murderer. Through Clytemnestra, Aeschylus shows that revenge never brings peace. Instead, it continues the cycle of bloodshed and tragedy.