Clytemnestra

Clytemnestra receives a series of letters from her siblings and relatives. The first letter is from Polydeuces, expressing his disbelief at the news of Clytemnestra’s despair and refusal to eat or drink. He reflects on their shared understanding of death and pain and emphasizes the importance of Clytemnestra’s resilience, urging her to reclaim her strength and will and reassert her position as a woman of power.

Penelope, writing from Ithaca, shares gossip about Clytemnestra’s situation. She struggles to accept the stories of Odysseus’s involvement in the sacrifice of Iphigenia and expresses her difficulties with balancing her belief in these tales with her efforts to maintain faith in her husband. She also urges Clytemnestra to persevere and manage her anger appropriately, especially toward Odysseus.

Timandra’s letter is filled with anger and a desire for revenge against those responsible for Iphigenia’s death. She acknowledges Clytemnestra’s power and influence, encouraging her to use it to exact revenge. Helen’s letter, written from Troy, provides insight into her own life and the burdens she now carries. She talks about the hatred and blame she faces from the Trojans and her deteriorating relationship with Paris. She also expresses her concern for Clytemnestra’s well-being and state of mind.