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Euripides The Sacrifice Of Iphigenia

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Reading Euripides’ text Iphigenia at Aulis, it is evident that the story is part of a play and these are the words of a messenger who is telling his story to Clytemnestra. We know this because in the last portion of his statement he tells us that he was sent by Agamemnon and he employs the words ‘your daughter’ (Euripides, 2011). He recounts his story as someone who witnessed the sacrifice of Iphigenia first hand. He also assured Clytemnestra that he was there and that her daughter has been ‘flown away to the gods (Euripides, 2011). With this account being part of a play, one can read that there has been some drama added to the wording, Euripides is painting a dramatic picture for the listener to imagine the scene. By pulling the listener …show more content…

Although we do not see know fully if it is Agamemnon the pose is of someone in shame and sorrow, so would suggest it is. Additionally, In the centre ground there is a statue which could be assumed to be that of the goddess Artemis, the statue is in the latter part of the story where Iphigenia steals it with her brother Orestes. Furthermore, we can also see in the background another depiction of Artemis, she has a bow, which is traditionally used to depict her, likewise she is wearing a crown and she is raised up in the clouds as if hidden from view. Additionally, Iphigenia is also possibly depicted in the clouds out of view riding a stag this is also in keeping with the story where she is supposed to be flown away by Artemis and a Stag is left as her replacement. Or it could also be a nymph bringing the Stag for Artemis. Whoever it is in the background there is a sense within the picture that things are happening in the background hidden from human sight and that there is a spiritual realm where the gods move and watch from a distance. The account form Ovid’s Metamorphoses is in poetic pose and is written as a second hand account. The story still has a dramatic feel but the wording is that of someone who is telling a story that they have been

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