Virgin Grapes and Other Thoughts - by Zelda Peach
Week 3
Okay, where do we start? Agamemnon's lack of empathy? The father's sacrifice of his virgin daughter? Clytaemnestra apparently being suicidal? I am only thirty-five pages into this book and I am already very confused and trying to make sense of everything.
Let's start with Clytaemnestra, she is married to Agamemnon and had a child with him before he left for war. While Agamemnon was off at war the child died and Clytaemnestra was so lonely that she became suicidal. In fact, she claims in line 864 that "They cut me down and eased my throat from the noose.". Later on, when Agamemnon gets back from the war, she claims to be excited and wants to praise him for his glorious concurring of Troy and welcome him back home. The way she decides to do this is by having him walk across crimson tapestries that are unfathomably valuable. The problem with this act is that it is highly dangerous because it is something worthy of the gods and the gods might get jealous. We have now reached the point in the play where I get very confused. Why is Clytaemnestra pushing Agamemnon to do something so dangerous if she really does love him? In the logic of the book, if this act is offensive to the gods then at any moment a god could strike Agamemnon down dead. It makes absolutely no sense to risk Agamemnon's life just to praise him for winning a war and risk losing him forever. Unless........ Clytaemnestra doesn't really love Agamemnon. Will and I actually talked about this over the phone because this relationship between the two is so confusing and I needed clarification. With being only thirty-five pages into the book I can't wait to see where this plot is headed.
Side question: In line 973, the play mentions a "virgin grape". What is a virgin grape? Is it just like a fresh new grape? But then again isn't every grape someone eats a new grape? It is not like you can buy used grapes as you could buy a used car. The term and idea of a "virgin grape" itself is just preposterous. If you can answer this question it would be very appreciated. - asking for a friend
Pun of the Week: (Still to come, I haven't thought of a good one yet)
P.S I commented on Sophia and Zane's posts
Okay, where do we start? Agamemnon's lack of empathy? The father's sacrifice of his virgin daughter? Clytaemnestra apparently being suicidal? I am only thirty-five pages into this book and I am already very confused and trying to make sense of everything.
Let's start with Clytaemnestra, she is married to Agamemnon and had a child with him before he left for war. While Agamemnon was off at war the child died and Clytaemnestra was so lonely that she became suicidal. In fact, she claims in line 864 that "They cut me down and eased my throat from the noose.". Later on, when Agamemnon gets back from the war, she claims to be excited and wants to praise him for his glorious concurring of Troy and welcome him back home. The way she decides to do this is by having him walk across crimson tapestries that are unfathomably valuable. The problem with this act is that it is highly dangerous because it is something worthy of the gods and the gods might get jealous. We have now reached the point in the play where I get very confused. Why is Clytaemnestra pushing Agamemnon to do something so dangerous if she really does love him? In the logic of the book, if this act is offensive to the gods then at any moment a god could strike Agamemnon down dead. It makes absolutely no sense to risk Agamemnon's life just to praise him for winning a war and risk losing him forever. Unless........ Clytaemnestra doesn't really love Agamemnon. Will and I actually talked about this over the phone because this relationship between the two is so confusing and I needed clarification. With being only thirty-five pages into the book I can't wait to see where this plot is headed.
Side question: In line 973, the play mentions a "virgin grape". What is a virgin grape? Is it just like a fresh new grape? But then again isn't every grape someone eats a new grape? It is not like you can buy used grapes as you could buy a used car. The term and idea of a "virgin grape" itself is just preposterous. If you can answer this question it would be very appreciated. - asking for a friend
Pun of the Week: (Still to come, I haven't thought of a good one yet)
P.S I commented on Sophia and Zane's posts
I told you, it's a grape that's never had sex. Come on, Zelda.
ReplyDeleteNot a creditable comment, I know. I'll go make some real ones now.
After reading this whole play set several times on this campus, Clytemnestra wants a guaranteed justification for revenge. Her husband effectively murdered their daughter. She was so intent on revenge that the thought of Agamemnon dying before she could avenge her daughter led to her suicidal tendencies. Her joy at his return is knowing she can live out her desire. Her love is a ploy to lead him to his demise.
ReplyDeleteThe more I think of this, the more I think this is turning into a revenge story. Honestly, I don't blame the queen for being bitter and resentful. If my husband killed our only child for good luck and left for ten years, I would be thinking pretty dark thoughts myself.
ReplyDeleteAs for the grapes, I think it is an analogy of Agamemnon's sacrifice of their virgin daughter. Zeus, who would be Agamemnon in this case, tread over the virgin grapes, his daughter, to get to the new wine, which would be the victory over Troy. That was my impression. I could be wrong.
I completely relate to your lack of understanding of this book. I'm no ancient Grecian, but life must've been so super confusing. Kind of like how virgin grapes are confusing, you know? It just doesn't make any sense, because in order for it to be a grape it has to be pollenated! Nevertheless, the confusion is real.
ReplyDelete