Clytemnestra Deception

Clytemnestra, a very prevalent character in Aeschlyus’ play Agamemnon, stands as a center point among the most famous speeches in the history of Greek literature. Breaking with the traditions of other plays written during this time period, Clytemnestra wields considerable political power during the time period in which women were sidelines from affairs of the state. Possessing a “male strength heart,” as stated by the watchmen in the beginning of the play, Clytemnestra not only is able to attain political control but she also has the ability to deceive those that surround her. The chorus makes the queen’s deceiving ways apparent to the audience when noting to the Herald not to take everything Clytemnestra says at face-value, for they have learned
Her speeches play out deep ironic deception, intending the opposite of what is said, while simultaneously revealing a deeper and more complex layer in her manipulation of Agamemnon. Strange as it may seem that Clytemnestra’s words ring true, but that is because there is truth in them. When she wishes her husband find her faithful to the house as she was the day he left, she is not lying. When she describes herself as a “watchdog” of the house she truly means that. But none of this directs towards Agamemnon. During the entire speech, Clytemnestra speaks duplicitously in order to further her plot and deceive the king—her husband—yet she ironically tells the truth. There is no apparent reason to doubt her longing for his return, although once fed on love it now feeds on hatred. Now the reasoning for her longing is so she will finally get the opportunity to kill him, and is through this hint of truth that makes it all the more deceptive and
In her first speech, addressed to the chorus, she reflects on the king’s homecoming: “But now how best to speed my preparation to receive my honored lord come home again what else is light more sweet for woman to behold than this, to spread the gates before her husband home from war and saved by god’s hand?” (600–604). Seemingly like a sentimental statement considering a wife anticipating the return of her husband during a ten-year separation, it is very evident on the true sinister intent Clytemnestra has in mind; she truly longs for the sweetness of revenge. Also as an example, Clytemnestra was able to convince Agamemnon to walk amongst the carpet against his desires showing her ability to