Hecuba and Agamemnon

            "Hecuba, I feel compassion for thee and thy son and thy ill-fortune, as well as for thy suppliant gesture, and I would gladly see yon impious host pay thee this forfeit for the sake of heaven and justice, could I but find some way to help thee without appearing to the army to have plotted the death of the Thracian King for Cassandra's sake. For on one point I am assailed by perplexity; the army count this man their friend, the dead their foe; that he is dear to thee is a matter apart, wherein the army has no share. Reflect on this; for though thou find'st me ready to share thy toil and quick to lend my aid, yet the risk of being reproached by the Achaeans makes me hesitate." -Agamemnon

            In Hecuba the titular character is on a quest to achieve revenge against Polymestor for the murder of Hecuba's child, Polydorus. Much of the play is Hecuba arguing in a court of sorts that revenge is justified and in the selected passage above Agamemnon replies to her argument in a political fashion. The essence of his statement is that while Hecuba may have moral superiority, he does not want to act out of political expediency.

            Agamemnon begins his statement by offering a consolation to Hecuba, he proclaims to "feel compassion" for Hecuba, her son, and all the misfortune inflicted upon her, as well as her "suppliant gesture" which demonstrated Hecuba's appropriate feminine humility. He continues his statement by admonishing Polymestor for his behaviors, specifically calling Polymestor "impious" which was an incredible insult for the ancient Greeks. Agamemnon also states that he, "would gladly see yon impious host pay thee this forfeit for the sake of heaven and justice." This opening into the statement is Agamemnon attempting to console Hecuba and prepare her for an answer she does not want to hear.

            Agamemnon goes on to say that while he would prefer to see Polymestor punished, he can't do so without it appearing to be biased due to his relationship with Hecuba's daughter, Cassandra. Agamemnon then further reinforces his denial of Hecuba's request by referencing the loyalty that Polymestor has amongst the men of the army as well as stating that those who were is "foe" are dead. Moving beyond the problem of appearances Agamemnon brings up the larger reason he is unwilling to help: politics. To drive the point that Hecuba is powerless and Polymestor is not he even states, "that he[Polymestor] is dear to thee is a matter apart, wherein the army has no share." Which boils down to saying that the army simply doesn't care. Agamemnon is afraid that should he permit revenge for Hecuba, he will have the army turn on him and be a victim of Polymestor's popularity. Agamemnon then ends his statement with a recap of his main point, while he would love to help Hecuba achieve vengeance, he is hesitant due to the reproach of the Achaeans.

            Overall Agamemnon starts his statement with an message of sympathy for Hecuba but then pivots to the political reasoning as to why he is unwilling to help her at that moment. He is nervous that should he permit Hecuba to achieve her revenge that it would be seen as nepotism due to his romantic involvement with her daughter, Cassandra, and in retaliation Polymestor's supporters would reject the decision and revolt in his name. Agamemnon's speech is therefore and attempt to stand morally in support of Hecuba while remaining neutral in the realm of action the through lack of action in hopes that this will appease the army, Hecuba, and perhaps his own conscience.