Clytemnestra

The theme of revenge in Clytemnestra is a central force in the narrative, reflecting the interplay of personal vendettas, cycles of violence, and societal expectations. While this theme illustrates Clytemnestra’s personal journey, it also forms a broader commentary on the gendered perceptions of power and vengeance in ancient Greek society. The opening verse at the beginning of Part 1 highlights the complex double standards that Clytemnestra must face, for it states:

There is no peace for a woman with ambition / No love for a woman with a crown / She loves too much she is lustful / Her power is too strong she is ruthless / She fights for vengeance she is mad / Kings are brilliant mighty godlike / Queens are deadly shameless accursed (1).

This opening verse highlights the fact that ambition and the pursuit of vengeance are perceived differently, depending upon whether a man or a woman is the one seeking power or justice. Kings are lauded for their might and brilliance, while queens who pursue similar goals are condemned. This dichotomy underscores the novel’s exploration of the societal constraints placed on women, particularly those who occupy positions of power.