Agamemnon grapples with the agonizing decision to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the gods and ensure military victory. He expresses profound despair over the burden of leadership and the impossible choice between his duty as a king and his love as a father. The emotional stakes are life and death, centered on the betrayal of his family for political and divine necessity.
AGAMEMNON: And what and I supposed to tell them?
It’s too late for turning back. Too late.
You Gods,
How cleartell this heartache?
How begin to break the binds
Of these threads in which I’m now entwined?
Some Gods plays with me and my plans,
His cunning far outwits my petty wiles.
Create a free account to explore more
Upgrade to Pro for full access — £6.99/month
Director's Notes
Want expert coaching on this scene?
Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.
Need representation?
Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.
How well does this scene match you?
Save your casting profile to see match scores on every scene.
Try Headshot AnalyserGo Pro
£6.99/mo
- ✓ Unlimited scene reading
- ✓ PDF downloads
- ✓ Director's Notes
- ✓ Headshot Analyser
- ✓ Cover Letter Generator
- ✓ Practice Mode
- ✓ Agent Connect
- + 1,000+ scenes
Similar Scenes
Chapter III — Dorian Describes Sibyl Vane
from The Picture of Dorian Gray
Dorian Gray passionately describes his first encounter with the actress Sibyl Vane to Lord Henry. He contrasts her transcendent, artistic beauty with the mundane nature of ordinary women.
The Principal's Address
from The North Star
A school principal addresses his students on the eve of summer vacation in 1941. While celebrating their academic achievements, he delivers a sobering warning about the impending uncertainty and sacrifice required by the looming war.
Act I, Scene 1 — Maureen's Pride
from The Beauty Queen of Leenane
Maureen, a middle-aged woman living in rural Ireland, delivers a fervent and repetitive declaration of her Irish identity and loyalty. The speech masks her deep-seated frustration and the claustrophobia of her isolated life caring for her manipulative mother.
The Judge's Charge
from 12 Angry Men
The presiding judge delivers final instructions to the jury in a first-degree murder trial. He emphasizes the gravity of their decision and the mandatory death sentence should they find the defendant guilty.