Iphigenia in Aulis

Clytemnestra thanks the Chorus for their kind words and gives orders for the rich dowry she has brought for her daughter’s wedding to be unloaded from their carriage. Agamemnon enters to greet his family, and Iphigenia rushes eagerly to embrace him. She observes that Agamemnon is preoccupied and upset, but Agamemnon says that he simply has “the many cares of a general / And a king” (645-46).

Nearly breaking down, Agamemnon continues to deceive his family, repeating that Iphigenia must make a long journey and go far away from him but not explaining what he means. Iphigenia assumes that he is referring to her upcoming marriage, which will take her from her father’s household to the household of her new husband.

At last, Agamemnon sends Iphigenia into his tent and speaks with Clytemnestra. Clytemnestra asks about the man their daughter is to marry, and Agamemnon describes Achilles’ impressive pedigree. As Clytemnestra tries to question him further, Agamemnon orders her to return home. She balks at this request, and the two argue briefly. Eventually Clytemnestra storms off and enters the tent. Agamemnon exits to make arrangements for the

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