The Sacrifice Of Iphigenia Essay

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Conversely, the sacrifice of Iphigenia is a complicated issue: it may be argued that Iphigenia, Agamemnon's daughter has to be sacrificed so that the battle fleet of the Greek forces can avenge the reckless actions of Paris and Helen. In this context, the act of sacrificing one's kin for the sake of the state could be deemed a righteous act. Agamemnon's decision to sacrifice his daughter could be deemed a logical decision, especially since the sacrifice was for the sack of Troy and the victory of the Greek army. Agamemnon felt the grave sorrow as he orders for his daughter’s sacrifice, it’s not that he did not feel anything; in fact he faced a depth of pity in taking decision against his own blood. as he says “…the beauty of my house, with maiden bloodshed staining these father’s hands beside the altar.” Had it not been the sacrifice of Iphigenia, the struggles of Agamemnon’s army for winning the war would all…show more content…
He however realizes the guilt of his actions. But he clearly let his passion for honor on the battlefield prevail over his love for Iphigenia. If he would’ve given it a rational thought he might have comprehended that shedding his own blood is not worth for a war which he’s not even sure would win in whose favor, and also how furious her wife would be hearing that a child born through pain and reared through years of hardships is slay at father’s hand. Agamemnon was faced with ruin and suffrage in any choice he would make: killing his own flesh or disappointing the army who had been loyal to him in ten years of hardships. How could it be possible for him to tell his soldier that he pardons for not carrying the trip forward because he can’t kill his daughter. Of course this would’ve made him appear uncaring and a coward king as his army could only see Iphigenia as a barrier between their
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