Ajax
Scene: beginning
Cell 1
ATHENA:
“Son of Laertes, ever do I behold thee
Scheming to snatch some vantage o'er thy foes.
And now among the tents that guard the ships
Of Ajax, camped at the army's outmost verge,
Long have I watched thee hunting in his trail…”
Summary: (Back round): The goddess Athena, protector of Odysseus,
is said to have bribed the Trojans to vote for her favorite. Aias, tries to
kill the Greek leaders for his pride. Athena prevented this and she
came to tell Odysseus killed all the livestock because Odysseus got
Achilles shield instead of Ajax.
Comprehension Q: Why did Ajax kill all the livestock?
Ethical Q: Was it right for him to get that mad and was his actions
ethical?
Associative Q: How could you compare Ajax’s care for pride in this
situation to his in Troilus and Cressida?
Predictive Q: What if Ajax did receive the armor?
Scene: Athena explains how Ajax planned to kill Odysseus.
Cell 2
“Your blood he deemed it was that stained his hand.”
Summary: Athena is telling Odysseus about what Ajax did to the
animals and how he was about to kill him at night. Odysseus demands
the details.
Comprehension Q: What is Athena telling Odysseus?
Ethical Q: How would you react if you found out someone tried to kill
you?
Predictive Q: What if Ajax did kill Odysseus?
Literary Q: How do Odysseus’ questions advance the plot?
Scene: By Ajax’s tent
Cell 3
“Hearken, thou who art pinioning with cords the wrists of captives;
hither, I bid thee, come. Thou, Ajax, hear me: come to thy tent's
door.”
Summary: Athena explains how she stopped Ajax from killing him and
summons Ajax to come out of his tent to face them. Odysseus does
not want Ajax to come out.
Ethical Q: Why do you think Odysseus doesn’t want Ajax to come out
of his tent?
Comprehension Q: What did Athena stop Ajax from doing?
Predictive Q: What will happen if Ajax does come out of his tent?
Associative Q : How does this scene relate to the finding of Saddam
Hussein?
Scene: Ajax comes out
Cell 4
Ajax: “Oh hail, Athena! Hail thou Zeus-born maid! Nobly hast thou
stood by me. Now will I crown thee with trophies all of gold for this
rich conquest.”
Summary: Ajax emerges from his tent (looking crazy) with a bloody
weapon in his hand, praises Athena and offers the animals he’s killed
as a sacrifice.
Comprehension Q: What is Ajax doing?
Ethical Q: Why is Ajax sucking up to Athena and is it right for him to
be doing so?
Predictive Q: What is Ajax going to do if he sees Odysseus?
Literary Q: How does Ajax’s offer to Athena show his state of mind,
and possible madness?
Scene: Ajax brags to Athena
Cell 5
“Goddess, a most dear captive in my tent he sits. I do not mean him
to die yet.”
Summary: Ajax is telling Athena how he killed the Greek leaders and
how he has Odysseus held captive in his tent (while in reality
Odysseus is hiding in the back round.) Athena plays along with his
madness because she cast a spell on him to think the animals were
Greek warriors.
Ethical Q: What does Ajax probably feel Athena's attitude toward him
is?
Comprehension Q: What is Ajax telling Athena he did and why?
Predictive Q: Will Ajax be crazy for the rest of his life because of
Athena’s spell?
Associative Q: How does Odysseus’s relationship now with Ajax
compare to their relationship in Troilus and Cressida?
Scene: Ajax goes back inside
Cell 6
“I know none nobler; and I pity him in his misery, albeit he is my foe,
since he is yoked fast to an evil doom.”
Summary: Ajax goes back inside his tent and Athena tells Odysseus–
look; how great the strength is of the gods, and how the spell she cast
on him worked. Odysseus says he pities Ajax, since he is crazy and
has an evil fate.
Comprehension Q: Why does Odysseus pity Ajax?
Predictive Q: What kind of fate will Ajax have?
Ethical Q: Is it right that Odysseus pities Ajax or for Athena to be on
Odysseus’ side?
Literary Q: How does the quote hint the theme of the story?
Scene: Chorus enters
Cell 7
“Of such misdeeds, no faith would he win. 'Tis the stronger whom
creeping jealousy strikes. Yet small men reft of help from the mighty
can ill be trusted to guard their walls.”
Summary: The Chorus enters and says how low Ajax’s actions have
been brought by fate and the decisions of the gods.
Comprehension Q: What is the chorus saying?
Associative Q: Compared to any other play with a chorus, what is
usually the chorus’ job?
Ethical Q: What seems to be the emotion the chorus has; is it
appropriate?
Predictive Q: What is going to happen to Odysseus and Ajax?
Cell #1
Quote:
-Tecmessa and the Chorus
“How to utter a tale of unspeakable things! For
Disastrous as death is the hap you will hear. In
The darkness of night madness has seized our
Glorious Ajax: he is ruined and lost…. SwordSlain victims in their own blood bathed, by his
Hand sacrificially slaughtered.”
Summary: Tecmessa is telling the chorus how her
concubine/husband Ajax has hurt his hand fighting out the battle
Field.
Question:1. What’s Tecmessa’s relation to Ajax?
A. Sister
B. Mother
C. Wife
D. Grandmother
2. What does the phrase “In the darkness of night
madness has seized our glorious Ajax” mean?
3. In the phrase above, what do you think the
word hap means?
Cell #2
-Tecmessa and the Leader of the Chorus
Quote:
“His rage dies down like a fierce south-wind. But
Now, grown sane, new misery is his; for one woes
Self-wrought he gazes aghast, wherein no hand
But his own had share; and with anguish his soul is
Afflicted.”
Summary: Tecmessa is telling the leader of the chorus that
It’s hard for Ajax to control his rage from all the
Things he has to go through out on the battlefield.
Question: In the quote above, they use the word “afflicted.”
What does the word afflicted mean?
A. Insert
B. Give pain or grief
C. To laugh
D. To kill
2. What’s the main cause of Ajax’s anger and rage?
3. Is it a good excuse for Ajax to say that the
reason he’s mad is because of the miseries that
war causes?
Cell #3
-Ajax and Tecmessa in the Tent
Quote: “What doest thou, Ajax? Why thus uncalled wouldst thou
Go forth? NO messenger has summoned thee, no
Trumpet roused thee. Nay, the whole camp is sleeping
Still.” But curtly he replied in well-worn phrase:
“Woman, silence is the grace of woman.”
Summary: Tecmessa is asking Ajax why he is going out from his
Tent when nobody has called for him, Ajax returns later
With the slaughtered bodies of a bull, a shepherd dog,
And other fleecy prey.
Question: Why do you think Ajax slaughtered these defenseless
Animals?
A. For fun
B. Road kill
C. Because he was hungry
D. In anger
2. What does Ajax mean by “Woman, silence is the
grace of woman?”
3. Are women still treated the same today as in those
days?
Cell #4
-Ajax has an outbreak
Quote: “He struck his head and cried out; then amidst the wrecks
Of slaughtered sheep a wreck he fell, and sat clutching
His hair with tight-cleaned nails. There first for a long
While he crouched speechless; then did he threaten me?
With fearful threats.”
Summary: Ajax has just slaughtered all these animals in rage
And can’t seem to control himself.
Question:1. What is the best possible reason for Ajax’s anger?
A. Tired of Tecmessa
B. Hates animals
C. Sick and tired of fighting
D. Because Mc Donald’s stops making breakfast at 10:30
a.m.
2. Would soldiers today be allowed to kill animals just
because they’re angry?
3. What does the word amidst mean?
A. In the middle of, amongst
B. To drink
C. To search
D. A warning
Cell #5
Quote:
-Ajax in the Tent
Ajax-Alas! My son, my son!
Tecmessa-Woe’s me! Eurysaces, ‘tis for thee calls. What
Can he purpose? Where art thou? Ah, woe!
Ajax- Tuecer, come! Where is tuecer? Will he never
Come back from cattle raiding? While I perish?
Summary: As Ajax sits on top of the slaughtered animals, he
Cries out for his son Eurysaces. He later cries out for his
Half brother Tuecer.
Question:1. What relation do Ajax and Eurysaces have?
A. Brother
B. Father and son
C. Santa Claus and Easter Bunny
D. Sisters
2. What’s Tuecer’s relation to Ajax?
3. What’s a possible explanation for Ajax wanting to see
Eurysaces and Tuecer?
Page 5
Cell 1 Ajax's misery
Ajax: (chanting) O Zeus, of my fathers the sire,
MIght I but kill that hateful and crafty dissembler,
Yea, and those two brother kings, partners in pride,
Then last myself too perish!
Tecmessa: If thus thou prayest, pray therewith for
me, that Die with thee. Why, when thou art dead,
shouoold I live on?
Summary
Ajax is chanting to the gods, asking them to take
his life while Tecmessa is trying to convince Ajax not
to ask or even think of his own death. She wants to
stay with him, even if it means in death, although
she does not want him or herslf killed.
Questions
Q: What does Ajax ask for the gods to do?
Q: How must he fell to ask for this?
Q: Does Tecmessa care if Ajax dies?
Q: Is it wrong for Ajax to want to kill himself?
Page 5
Cell 2 Ajax Changes His Mind
Ajax: ...And what should I now do...
Leader: The word thou hast uttered, Ajax, none
shall call Bastard, but the true offspring of thy soul.
Yet pause. Let those who love thee overrule Thy
resolution. Put such thoughts aside.
Summary
The Leader gives Ajax sympathy and asks what
he can do to help. Ajax responds by reviewing what
happened and figures out that he cannot kill himself
or his father would be dissapointed in him. He starts
to think about what he can do to better himself.
Questions
Q: Is Ajax still asking the gods to kill himself?
Q:If the leader had not shown compassion for
Ajax, how may the outcome differ?
Q:Does Ajax care what his father thinks about him?
Q: What does the leader mean when he says (to
Ajax)...word...uttered..the true offspring of thy soul?
Page 5 & 6
Cell 3 Tecmessa Speaks Out
Tecmessa: ...For shouldst thou perish and forsake me in death,
That very day assuredly I to Shall be seized by the Argives, with my
son To endure henceforth the portion of a slave. Then one of my
new masters with barbed words Shall wound me scoffing: ' See
the concubine Of Ajax, who was mightiest of the host'...Thus men
will speak, embittering my hard lot, But words of shame for thee
and for thy race.
Summary
Tecmessa basically promises to Ajax that if and when he dies, she
will stay true no matter what others may say or do. She reminds him
of how sad she and their son would be if he dies or does not return
home from this voyage.
Questions
Q: Does Tecmessa care for Ajax?
Q: What is the relationship between Tecmessa and Ajax?
Q: Do you think Tecmessa's vows are going to be kept?
Q: Do you think Ajax cares for any of what Tecmessa is saying?
Page 6
Cell 4 The Moment of Truth
Ajax: I prasie thine act and the foresight thou hast
shown.
Tecmessa: (calling) My son, thy father calls thee.
-Bring him hither.
Tecmessa: See, he is here already with the child.
(An attendant enters, leading the child, Eurysaces.)
Ajax: Lift him up, lift him hither....
Summary
Ajax is questioned by the leader on whether he
will accept Tecmessa's vows. He has a little test of
faith with the whereabouts of his son, and she
passes. He then sees his son (Eurysaces), and has
a heart to heart conversation with him. He gives him
a sort of guardian, Teucer to look after and trust in
times of need. He also gives his son a shield.
Questions
Q:
Q:
Q:
Q:
Why is the leader still here?
Why will Tecmessa do anything for Ajax?
Why is the child escorted everywhere?
Does it seem as though Ajax sees his son much?
Page 6
Cell 5 Time For Action
Tecmessa: O my lord Ajax, what art thou
proposing?
Ajax: Question me not. To be discreet is best.
Chorus: ...When I shall enter at last the terrible
shadow abode of Hades.
Summary
Leader suddenly warns Ajax and Tecmessa. Ajax
seems to quickly become alert and get focused. He
last sees his family with proud last words.Tecmessa
and Eurysaces leave. The chorus becomes alive,
singing a sad song about Ajax.
Cell #1 – Ajax’s depression
Quote: “Devouring his lonely heart he sits. His once glorious deeds are
now fallen and scorned, Fallen to death without love from the loveless
and pitiless sons of Atreus.”
Summary: Members of the chorus are describing Ajax’s depression
about not receiving Achilles’ armor.
Questions:
_In the passage above, what do you think devouring means?
A) emotionally eating up greedily
B) falsely jumping to conclusions
C) cruelly making fool of one’s self
D) cheerfully making someone jealous of you
-Who is Achilles?
-Why do you think Ajax wanted this armor so bad?
-From stories you’ve read before, who do you think proves to be a
better warrior, Ajax or Odysseus?
Cell #2 – A twist of emotion?
Quote: “Glory of happy days return, To our swift-voyaging ships, for
now Hath Ajax wholly forgot his grief, And all rites due to the gods he
now Fain would meetly perform with loyal worship.”
Summary: Ajax is talking about how sad he is and leaves to find a
place where he can be alone.
Questions:
-Do you think Ajax is overreacting about this whole thing? About an
armor?
-Compare and Contrast: People overreact to certain things often, do
you think it was stupid of you to overreact about something you
thought you deserved? Or do you think it was just alright of you to feel
that way?
-What does fain most likely mean in the passage above?
A) angrily
B) sadly
C) happily
D) anxiously
-How would do you think Ajax would’ve felt if he wasn’t even
nominated to receive Achilles’ armor?
Cell #3 – The Messenger delivers
Quote: “But where is Ajax? I must speak with him. He whom it most
concerns must be told all.”
Summary: The Messenger comes with the important message Teucer
sent him to tell Ajax and his company.
Questions:
-What do you think the message is about?
-Who is Teucer?
-Why do you think the Messenger is unnamed?
-“Calling him kinsman of that maniac.” Who do you think the maniac
is? Who is the kinsman?
Cell #4 – The prophecy
Quote: “He should restrain Ajax within his tents, This whole day, and
not leave him to himself, If he wished ever to behold him alive. For on
this day alone, such were his words, Would the wrath of divine Athena
vex him.”
Summary: The Messenger tells the Leader that the message a
prophecy of Ajax’s fate. The prophecy says that no one should leave
Ajax to himself or it would prove fatal to him.
Questions:
-What does vex mean in the passage above?
A) cast some kind of spell
B) irritate
C) bring distress or suffering
D) bring happiness
-Compare and Contrast: How can you compare Ajax’s reason for
wanting to commit suicide to someone else’s reasons for wanting to
take their life in history or in our modern world?
-If Ajax had been the one who died, instead of Achilles, who do you
think would’ve cared? Who would have received his armor? Would
anyone have even wanted it?
-Why was Athena mad at Ajax?
Cell #5 – A run to save a life
Quote: “He has but now returned, and he forebodes That this goingforth will prove fatal to Ajax.”
Summary: Tecmessa comes in and the Leader tells her they have to
find Ajax or something bad might happen to him.
Questions:
-“Which is fraught either with his life or death.” What do you think
fraught means in this passage?
A) to lose something that means so much to you
B) to give happiness in someone’s life
C) to teach people sadness or be silly in a play
D) to be marked by emotional distress or heavily loaded
-Who is Tecmessa?
-Do you think the Messenger came a little to late since Ajax already
left?
-The Leader already knew that something, at any given moment, bad
could happen to Ajax. Do you think it was right for the Leader to wait
for someone to tell him they should go find Ajax to save him from
harm that could happen to him?
Cell #6 – Prepare to die
Quote- “This, O Zeus, I entreat thee, and likewise call On Hermes,
guide to the underworld, to lay me Asleep without a struggle, at one
swift bound, When I have thrust my heart through with this sword.”
Summary: Ajax is talking to the gods and telling them to prepare
because he’s just about to kill himself.
Questions:
-If you were in Ajax’s position, do you think you would’ve gone as far
as he had?
-Why do you think he’s praying to Zeus?
-The main character of this story is Ajax. He is about to kill himself.
What do you think will happen in the rest of the story if the main
character is now gone?
-Who is Hermes?
Cell # 1 Part 9
“Farewell, all ye who sustained my life. This is the last
word Ajax speaks to you. All else in Hades to the dead will I say.”(He
falls on his sword.)
1) In the speech above Ajax talks about how he is about to kill
himself. By the end he decides to jump off the cliff.
2) Who dies in the scene?
3) What does Ajax means when he says “This is the last word Ajax
speaks to you.”
4) Do you think that Ajax overreact just a little bit.
Cell # 2/ Part 9
1) Tecmessa: Alas, woe is me!
Chorus: Whose cry was it that broke from yonder copse?
Tecmessa: Alas, woe is me!
Leader of Chorus: It is the hapless spear-won bride I see,
Tecmessa, steeped in that wail’s agony.
Tecmessa: I am lost, destroyed, made desolate, my friends.
2) In this part Tecmessa discovers the dead body of Ajax. Tecmessa
talks expressing her grief.
3)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Hapless most likely means
Luckless, unfortunate
Angry, steaming
Disappointed, teary
Lonely, barking
4) Who discovers Ajax’s dead body?
Cell # 3 Part 9
1) Teucer: O brother Ajax to mine eyes most dear, Can it be thou hast
fared as rumor tells?
Leader: Yes he is dead, Teucer: of that be sure
Teucer: Alas how then can I endure my fate!
2) Teucer, Ajax’s brother, comes into the scene and wants to see Ajax.
Tecmessa goes and leaves to go get Ajax’s son.
3) Who comes into the scene? What is the person’s relation to Ajax?
4) How would the story have been different if someone found him
before he killed himself at the cliff? Would he had still kill himself
or been saved?
5) Why does Tecmessa decide to leave?
Cell #4 Part 10
1) Teucer: Let me behold woe’s very worst (The cover is lifted from
the body) O ghastly sight ! victim of ruthless courage.
2) In this scene Teucer (Ajax’s Brother) takes off Ajax’s covering to
see his dead body.
3) When Teucer says “victim of ruthless courage” how does that relate
how the gods get angry and punish people.
4) What does Teucer mean when he says, “Let me behold woe’s very
worst”?
5) What does Teucer do when he is alone with Ajax’s dead body.
Cell # 5 Part 10
1) Leader: Menelaus, for whose sake we voyaged hither.
Teucer:’Tis he. I know him well, now he is near. (Menelaus enters
with his retinue)
Menelaus: You, Sir, I warn you, raise not yonder corpse
For burial, but leave it as it lies.
2) In this scene Menelaus comes into the scene and tries to comfort
Teucer.
3) Who comes into the scene?
4) Retinue most likely means:
a) an associate of a closet
b) a friend of the devil
c) accompany of a high ranking person
d) accompany of a servant
5) Who is Menelaus?
Ajax
Scene- Ending, pg. 11
Cell 1
*Quote- To be a friend and champion for the Greeks:
But a worse than Phrygian foe on trial we found him.
Devising death for the whole host, by night
He sallied forth against us, armed for slaughter.
And had not some god baffled this exploit,
Ours would have been the lot which now is his:
While we lay slain by a most shameful doom,
He would have still been living. But his outrage,
Foiled by a god, has fallen on sheep and herds.
Wherefore there lives no man so powerful
That he shall lay this corpse beneath a tomb;
But cast forth somewhere upon the yellow sands
It shall become food for the sea-shore birds.
Then lift not up your voice in threatening fury.
If while he lived we could not master him,
Yet in death will we rule him, in your despite,
Guiding him with our hands, since in his life
At no time would he hearken to my words.
Yet 'tis a sign of wickedness, when a subject
Deigns not to obey those placed in power above him.
For never can the laws be prosperously
Stablished in cities where awe is not found;
Nor may a camp be providently ruled
Without the shield of dread and reverence.
Yea, though a man be grown to mighty bulk,
Let him look lest some slight mischance o'erthrow him.
He with whom awe and reverence abide,
Doubt not, will flourish in security.
But where outrage and licence are not checked,
Be sure that state, though sped by prosperous winds,
Some day at last will founder in deep seas.
Yes, fear should be established in due season.
Dream not that we can act as we desire,
Yet avoid payment of the price in pain.
Well, fortune goes by turns. This man was fiery
And insolent once: 'tis mine now to exult.
I charge thee, bury him not, lest by that act
Thou thyself shouldst be digging thine own grave,
*Summary- Menelaus is explaining to Ajax’s brother, Tuecer, that Ajax
was a loose cannon and did not follow the rules or obey those placed
in power above him.
*Reading comprehension Question- “But a worse than Phrygian foe on
trial we found him.” from this quote who is Menelaus talking about?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word prosperously most
likely means what?
A.) unsuccessful B.) well cooked C.) favorable D.) Unlikely
*Literary Question- Based on the quote above the passage “It shall
become food for the sea-shore birds.” most likely means what?
*Predictive Question- How would this passage be different if Ajax did
not kill himself?
Ajax
Scene- Ending, pg.11
Cell 2
*Quote- If one of low birth acts injuriously,
When they who are accounted nobly born
Can utter such injurious calumnies.
Come, once more speak. You say you brought him hither?
Took him to be a champion of the Greeks?
Did he not sail as his own master, freely?
How are you his chieftain? How have you the right
To lord it o'er the folk he brought from home?
As Sparta's lord you came, not as our master.
In no way was it your prerogative
To rule him, any more than he could you.
As vassal of others you sailed hither, not
As captain of us all, still less of Ajax.
Go, rule those whom you may rule: chastise them
With proud words. But this man, though you forbid me,
Aye, and your fellow-captain, by just right
Will I lay in his grave, scorning your threats.
It was not for the sake of your lost wife
He came to Troy, like your toil-broken serfs,
But for the sake of oaths that he had sworn,
Not for yours. What cared he for nobodies?
Then come again and bring more heralds hither,
And the captain of the host. For such as you
I would not turn my head, for all your bluster.
*Summary- Tuecer is arguing with Menelaus explaining how Ajax was
a free man and how Menelaus unrightfully ruled over Ajax like a
chieftain.
*Reading comprehension Question- “Go, rule those whom you may
rule: chastise them With proud words. But this man, though you forbid
me,” from this quote what might Tuecer be trying to say to Menelaus?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word Chieftain most
likely means what?
A.) chief of a clan/boss B.) leader of the chorus
C.) slave owner/pandar
D.) father of the lion
*literary Question- Based on the quote above what do you think the
passage, “He came to Troy, like your toil-broken serfs,
But for the sake of oaths that he had sworn,
Not for yours. What cared he for nobodies?” most likely means?
Predictive Question- How do you think the passage would be different
if Menelaus wasn’t at such a high rank in the Greek army?
Ajax
Scene- Ending, pg. 11
Cell 3
*Quote- Once did I see a fellow bold of tongue,
Who had urged a crew to sail in time of storm;
Yet no voice had you found in him, when winds
Began to blow; but hidden beneath his cloak
The mariners might trample on him at will.
And so with you and your fierce railleries,
Perchance a great storm, though from a little cloud
Its breath proceed, shall quench your blatant outcry.
*Summary- Menelaus’s argument is slowly beginning to turn into a
fight as Menelaus compares Tuecer to a captain who had urged a crew
to sail in time of storm.
*Reading Comprehension Question- “Yet no voice had you found in
him, when winds Began to blow; but hidden beneath his cloak
The mariners might trample on him at will,” from this quote what
might Menelaus be trying to say to Tuecer?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word railleries most
likely means what?
A.) happiness B.) sorrow C.) insults D.) compliments
*Literary Question- Based on the quote above what do you think the
passage, “And so with you and your fierce railleries,
Perchance a great storm, though from a little cloud
Its breath proceed, shall quench your blatant outcry,” might mean?
*Predictive Question- How do you think this plot would change if
Tuecer and Menelaus were related?
Ajax
Scene- Ending, pg. 12
Cell- 4
*Quote- Look yonder, where the child and wife of Ajax
Are hastening hither in good time to tend
The funeral rites of his unhappy corpse.
My child, come hither. Stand near and lay thy hand
As a suppliant on thy father who begat thee.
And kneel imploringly with locks of hair
Held in thy hand-mine, and hers, and last thineThe suppliant's treasure. But if any Greek
By violence should tear thee from this corpse,
For that crime from the land may he be cast
Unburied, and his whole race from the root
Cut off, even as I sever this lock.
There, take it, boy, and keep it. Let none seek
To move thee; but still kneel there and cling fast.
And you, like men, no women, by his side
Stand and defend him till I come again,
When I have dug his grave, though all forbid.
*Summary-Tuecer ends the fight with Menelaus by threatening him,
saying that if anyone should tear him from the corpse than may that
person suffer.
*Reading Comprehension Question“By violence should tear thee from this corpse,
For that crime from the land may he be cast
Unburied, and his whole race from the root
Cut off, even as I sever this lock,”
from this quote what might Tuecer be trying to say?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word begat most likely
means what?
A.) mothered with cruelty, stabbed B.) caused to exist, conceived
C.) forced into position, crushed
D.) helped to steal, corrupted
*Literary Question- From the quote above the passage, “Unburied,
and his whole race from the root
Cut off, even as I sever this lock,” most likely means what?
*Predictive Question- How do you think the story might change if
Helen was in this scene?
Ajax
Scene- Ending, pg. 12
Cell- 5
*Quote- Vowing that no authority is ours
By sea or land to rule the Greeks or you.
Are not these monstrous taunts to hear from slaves?
What was this man whose praise you vaunt so loudly?
Whither went he, or where stood he, where I was not?
Among the Greeks are there no men but he?
In evil hour, it seems, did we proclaim
The contest for Achilles' panoply,
If come what may Teucer is to call us knaves,
And if you never will consent, though worsted,
To accept the award that seemed just to most judges,
But either must keep pelting us with foul words,
Or stab us craftily in your rage at losing.
Where such discords are customary, never
Could any law be stablished and maintained,
If we should thrust the rightful winners by,
And bring the rearmost to the foremost place.
But such wrong must be checked. 'Tis not the big
Broad-shouldered men on whom we most rely;
No, 'tis the wise who are masters everywhere.
An ox, however large of rib, may yet
Be kept straight on the road by a little whip.
And this corrective, I perceive, will soon
Descend on you, unless you acquire some wisdom,
Who, though this man is dead, a mere shade now,
Can wag your insolent lips so freely and boldly.
Come to your senses: think what you are by birth.
Bring hither someone else, a man born free,
Who in your stead may plead your cause before us.
For when you speak, the sense escapes me quite:
I comprehend not your barbarian tongue.
*Summary- After the argument between Tuecer and Menelaus
Agamemnon enters railing on Tuecer and also explaining how his
brother, Ajax, died.
*Reading Comprehension Question- “Bring hither someone else, a man
born free,
Who in your stead may plead your cause before us,” from this quote
what might Agamemnon be trying to say to Tuecer?
*Vocabulary Question- From this passage the word pelting most likely
means what?
A.) smelting B.) melting C.) pounding D.) crying
*Literary Question- From the quote above the passage, “Where such
discords are customary, never
Could any law be stablished and maintained,
If we should thrust the rightful winners by,
And bring the rearmost to the foremost place,” what did Agamemnon
mean when he said this to Tuecer?
*Predictive Question- How do you think the story might change if
Menelaus wasn’t related to Agamemnon? Ajax by Sophocles
Ajax by Sophocles
Scene: Ajax’s Memories
Cell#1
“Alas! how soon gratitude to the dead
Proves treacherous and vanishes from men's minds,
If for thee, Ajax, this man has no more
The least word of remembrance, he for whom oft
Toiling in battle thou didst risk thy life.
But all that is forgotten and flung aside.
Thou who but now wast uttering so much folly,
Hast thou no memory left, how in that hour”
Summary: Teucer is telling Agamemnon that all Ajax’s hard work at
battle is thrown aside and forgotten.
Reading comprehension Question- " Toiling in battle thou didst risk thy
life.
But all that is forgotten and flung aside.” From this quote what is
Teucer saying about Ajax’s memories?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word remembrance
most likely means what?
A.) skills B.) Memory C.) Shield D.) Sword
*Literary Question- Based on the quote above the passage “But all
that is forgotten and flung aside.” “Thou who but now wast uttering so
much folly,” “Hast thou no memory left, how in that hour” why is
Teucer giving a lot of importance to Ajax’s memories?
*Predictive Question- How would this passage be different if Teucer
wouldn’t say anything about Ajax’s hard work?
Ajax by Sophocles
Scene: Ajax’s Memories on Agamemnon
Cell#2
“When, pent within your lines, you were already
No more than men of nought, routed in battle,
He alone stood forth to save you, while the flames
Were blazing round the stern-decks of the ships
Already, and while Hector, leaping high
Across the trench, charged down upon the hulls?
Who checked this ruin? Was it not he, who nowhere
So much as stood beside thee, so thou sayest?
Would you deny he acted nobly there?
Or when again chosen by lot, unbidden,
Alone in single combat he met Hector?
For no runaway's lot did he cast in,”
Summary: Teucer is reminding Agamemnon what Ajax did for him and
telling him that he was self-sacrificing to help him. He is also saying
that Ajax was chosen by the Greeks to battle one on one with Hector.
Reading comprehension Question- “He alone stood forth to save you,
while the flames
Were blazing round the stern-decks of the ships "From this quote what
is Teucer saying about Ajax and Agamemnon?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word nought most likely
means what?
A.) Bad B.) Many C.)Strong D.) Nothing
*Literary Question- Based on the quote above the “Already, and while
Hector, leaping high
Across the trench, charged down upon the hulls?” ”Who checked this
ruin? Was it not he, who nowhere” ”So much as stood beside thee, so
thou sayest?” ”Would you deny he acted nobly there?” if Ajax was a
really noble and important warrior why does he deserve a proper
burial in a sepulcher?
*Predictive Question- How would this passage be different if Ajax
never helped Agamemnon? Would Agamemnon still refuse Ajax a
burial?
Ajax by Sophocles
Scene: Odysseus’s Pity for Ajax
Cell#3
“Once for me too this man was my worst foe,
From that hour when I won Achilles' arms;
Yet, though he was such towards me, I would not so
Repay him with dishonour as to deny
That of all Greeks who came to Troy, no hero
So valiant save Achilles have I seen.
So it is not just thou shouldst dishonour him.
Not him wouldst thou be wronging, but the laws
Of heaven. It is not righteousness to outrage
A brave man dead, not even though thou hate him.”
Summary: Even though Ajax was an enemy to Odysseus he won’t
dishonor him by not giving him a proper burial. Odysseus also says
that is not respectful a great warrior even though you hate him.
Reading comprehension Question-” Not him wouldst thou be wronging,
but the laws”
“Of heaven. It is not righteousness to outrage” “A brave man dead,
not even though thou hate him.” According to this text what is wrong
to do?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word righteousness
most likely means what?
A.)Respectful B.) Bad C.)Fair D.)Rude
Associative- Comparing to today are people willing to give a proper
funeral to their enemy?
*Predictive Question- How would this passage be different if Odysseus
were to say that because is his enemy he doesn’t want Ajax to receive
a proper funeral?
Ajax by Sophocles
Scene: Ending
Cell#4
“Noble Odysseus, for thy words I praise thee
Without stint. Wholly hast thou belied my fears.
Thou, his worst foe among the Greeks, hast yet
Alone stood by him staunchly, nor thought fit
To glory and exult over the dead,
Like that chief crazed with arrogance, who came,
He and his brother, hoping to cast forth
The dead man shamefully without burial.
May therefore the supreme Olympian Father,
The remembering Fury and fulfilling Justice
Destroy these vile men vilely, even as they
Sought to cast forth this hero unjustly outraged.
But pardon me, thou son of old Laertes,
That I must scruple to allow thine aid
In these rites, lest I so displease the dead.
In all else share our toil; and wouldst thou bring
Any man from the host, we grudge thee not.
What else remains, I will provide. And know
That thou towards us hast acted generously.”
Summary: After Agamemnon had changed his mind about not burying
Ajax. Odysseus offers Teucer his aid in burying the hero but Teucer
declines his help. Teucer also tells Odysseus that he will admire his
generous spirit
Reading comprehension Question- Why did Teucer decline Odysseus’
help?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word rites most likely
means what?
A.) problem B.) Situation C.) Occasions D) Burial
Associative- Comparing to today do people decline other people’s help?
*Predictive Question- How would this passage be different if Teucer
would of accepted Odysseus’ help?
Ajax by Sophocles
Scene: Ajax’s Sepulture
Cell#5
“Tis enough. Too long is the time we have wasted
In talk. Haste some with spades to the grave:
Speedily hollow it. Some set the cauldron
On high amid wreathing flames ready filled
For pious ablution.
Then a third band go, fetch forth from the tent
all the armour he once wore under his shield.
Thou too, child, lovingly lay thy hand
On thy father's corpse, and with all thy strength
Help me to lift him: for the dark blood-tide
Still upward is streaming warm through the arteries.
All then who openly now would appear
Friends to the dead, come, hasten forwards.
To our valiant lord this labour is due.
We have served none nobler among men.”
Summary: Teucer is saying that they had wasted time talking instead
of beginning the funeral. Teucer begins Ajax’s sepulture by putting his
armor that he wore on battle under his shield. Teucer talks to Ajax’s
son and tell him to put his hand on Ajax’s blood.
Reading comprehension Question-How does Teucer begin Ajax’s
burial?
*Vocabulary Question- In the quote above the word cauldron most
likely means what?
A.) box B.) Large pot C.)Bandage D) Burial
Associative- Comparing to today do people put a soldier’s armor under
his body?
Literary Question- Based on this play and the Trojan Women what do
you think that shields represent or symbolize?
*Predictive Question- How would this passage be different if Teucer
were to be a normal soldier and not his half brother? Would he still
bury him even though Teucer are half brothers?