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Euripides' Iphigenia at Aulis Essay Example

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Euripides' Iphigenia at Aulis Essay Example
Euripides' Iphigenia at Aulis by: Danielle Riley

There are obviously many obligations at hand in Iphigenia at Aulis. The one however that widely catches my attention is Iphigenia's ending decision to accept her fate. Iphigenia's fate of death is a sacrifice that her father Agamemnon has to uphold to his brother Menelaus. Agamemnon like any father would not willingly offer his child as a sacrifice, however he does so because of his "commander-in-chief" position and the oath he took on behalf of Menelaus.

There are similarities and differences to Agamemnon and Iphigenia's fate. Agamemnon nor Iphigenia eagerly agree to the choices that they end up making, however they both choose to make the worst choice for themselves, but the best choice for their given situation. If Agamemnon had not have chosen to offer Iphigenia as a sacrifice, the outcome of his situation would have been worse. It makes me wonder exactly how much worse. Exactly what would have happened to him? In my opinion, how dare my brother readily accepts to murder my child, his own niece… his flesh and blood as well as mine… for the honor of a woman who doesn't even love him! That disgusts me, it makes me literally sick to imagine anyone could do such a thing. Some things are sacrificial in the name of honor, but this… come on, this is a bunch of horse shit. This part of the story makes me a little bit madder that I had originally realized.

I feel that this father/daughter relationship is extremely bittersweet… the following is a portion of their dialogue.

IPHIGENIA
All hail, father! thou didst well in bringing me hither to thee.

AGAMEMNON
I know not how I am to say yes or no to that, my child.

IPHIGENIA
Ha! how wildly thou art looking, spite of thy joy at seeing me.

AGAMEMNON
A man has many cares when he is king and general too.

IPHIGENIA
Be mine, all mine to-day; turn not unto moody thoughts.

AGAMEMNON
Why so I am, all thine to-day; I have
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