Question

Although the death of Agamemnon is imagined in many ways in paintings, how does Aeschylus say he died in the play that bears his name?

Answer 1

In Aeschylus' play 'Agamemnon,' the character is killed by his wife Clytemnestra with the aid of her lover, who ensnares Agamemnon in a web or a robe as he bathes before striking him with a deadly blow.

Step-by-step explanation:

How Did Agamemnon Die in Aeschylus' Play?

In Aeschylus’ play Agamemnon, the first play of the Oresteia trilogy, Agamemnon’s death is orchestrated by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. In the tragedy, Agamemnon returns home from the Trojan War to a deceitful welcome by Clytemnestra who then murders him. Specifically, she entangles him in a web or a robe as he bathes and then strikes him with a deadly blow. This act of treachery leads to a series of vengeful actions that continue throughout the trilogy. The death mask known as the Mask of Agamemnon, found by Heinrich Schliemann, adds historical intrigue, though it’s likely not directly associated with the legendary king depicted in Aeschylus’ play.