45 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
208
Play • Fiction
Aulis • Mythical Greek Era
410
Adult
16+ years
Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides follows King Agamemnon, who must decide whether to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia to appease the goddess Artemis and secure favorable winds for the Greek fleet to sail to Troy. Agamemnon initially agrees but later regrets his decision. As Iphigenia arrives under the pretense of marrying Achilles, tensions rise, and ultimately, Iphigenia chooses a path of self-sacrifice for the greater good of Greece.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
5,582 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Euripides' Iphigenia in Aulis is praised for its emotional depth and compelling exploration of duty and sacrifice. Critics laud its character development and moral complexity. However, some find the pacing inconsistent, and certain dialogues overly melodramatic. Overall, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking work in Greek tragedy.
Readers who revel in classical Greek tragedies, enjoy exploring themes of sacrifice, duty, and fate, or appreciate works by Sophocles and Aeschylus will find Iphigenia in Aulis captivating. Fans of Antigone or Agamemnon will particularly appreciate the dramatic and poignant storytelling of Euripides.
5,582 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Clytemnestra
Agamemnon's wife and the mother of Iphigenia, Clytemnestra is a devoted mother who travels to Aulis believing her daughter is to be married.
Iphigenia
The eldest daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, she arrives at Aulis under the impression that she is to be wed to Achilles.
Achilles
A renowned Greek hero and warrior, he becomes involved in the events at Aulis due to a misunderstanding involving the intended marriage to Iphigenia.
The Old Man
Agamemnon's loyal servant, who struggles with his loyalty when faced with the moral dilemma of Iphigenia's situation.
Chorus
The group of young married women from Chalcis, whose commentary and presence highlight various themes and emotions throughout the play.
Menelaus
Agamemnon's brother and husband of Helen, whose departure with the Trojan prince leads to the gathering of the Greek forces.
208
Play • Fiction
Aulis • Mythical Greek Era
410
Adult
16+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.