Iphigenia in Aulis

Acts

• 0
  Act 0

  The complete text of Iphigenia in Aulis. The Greek fleet is becalmed. Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter to the gods — or the army will never reach Troy.

  101 lines
• Prologue

  The Greek fleet is becalmed. Agamemnon has summoned Iphigenia under pretence of marriage to Achilles, but Artemis demands her sacrifice.

  135 lines
• Parodos

  The chorus of women from Chalcis has come to see the famous Greek fleet, oblivious to the horror being planned.

  229 lines
• First Episode

  Menelaus intercepts Agamemnon's letter cancelling the summons. News arrives: Iphigenia is already on her way.

  47 lines
• First Stasimon

  Passionate love — like Paris's for Helen — destroys everything it touches.

  165 lines
• Second Episode

  Clytemnestra and Iphigenia arrive joyful and trusting, expecting a wedding. The dramatic irony is excruciating.

  50 lines
• Second Stasimon

  The chorus imagines the fall of Troy. The price is being decided at Aulis.

  182 lines
• Third Episode

  Achilles, learning his name was used in a lie, promises to protect Iphigenia.

  61 lines
• Third Stasimon

  The chorus contrasts Achilles' wedding at Pelion with this grotesque parody at Aulis.

  Not yet imported
• Fourth Episode

  Iphigenia makes her decision: she will die willingly. Her transformation is stunning and deeply unsettling.

  56 lines
• Iphigenia's Farewell

  Iphigenia says goodbye and walks to the altar. She forbids Clytemnestra from mourning.

  322 lines