Agamemnon Lesson Plan

At the start of today's reading, the Chorus summarizes the Trojan War. What is their perspective on the events that led to the war?

The lengthy speech made by the Chorus at the beginning of this section includes a moral evaluation of Paris and Helen. The unwholesome "fatal marriage," the abduction and rape of Helen by Paris, was the direct cause of the Trojan War. The story goes that Paris, prince of Troy, was asked by three goddesses, Aphrodite, Hera, and Athen, to choose the most beautiful among them. He chose Aphrodite, who, as a reward, promised to procure for him the most beautiful mortal woman.

This happened to be Menelaus's wife, Helen. Although happily married,...