Rhetorical Analysis of
Agamemnon by Aeschylus
Follow the directions for reading and analyzing the texts. Write the answers to all questions on a
separate sheet of paper or on the text itself.
1. Number the lines of each speech, starting with 1.
2. Read all four translations of Cassandra’s speech. Circle any words that you are
unfamiliar with.
3. Look up the word and write the definition next to the where it is used in the speech.
4. Read each one again and at the end each, write the main idea directly following the
speech.
5. Does the main idea change between the different translations or does it stay the same?
6. Which translation is easiest for you to understand? Why?
7. Compare all four translations and highlight the important words that have been changed
from version to version.
8. Fill in the chart.
9. Do the words carry the same connotation? Denotation?
10. What effect do the changes in word choice have on the text itself? Make notes in the
margins of the speeches.
11. Why do you think each author chose the different word? What effect were they trying to
accomplish?
12. Does the year in which the piece was published have an impact on the word choice? In
what way?
Prompt:
Choose a line, sentence, or small section of all four texts. Write a multi-paragraph essay in
which you compare and contrast the word choice used in all four pieces. Describe the diction
both connotatively and denotatively (this may take some research) and analyze the effects
different word choice has on the text and on the reader. Include why the authors chose different
words and if this affects the meaning. Remember also to reflect on whether the year of the
translation may have affected word choice.
Claim: Write your position/thesis about the effect of word choice on the passage.
For example from the word choice comparison worksheet:
Lines 3-4 of Cassandra’s speech from Agamemnon by Aeschylus remain the same in meaning
across all four translations; however, the different diction affects how readers receive the news of
impending doom.
Paragraphs: In order to prove your claim and thoroughly analyze the diction, how many body
paragraphs will you need? For example from the word choice comparison worksheet, this essay
would need 4 body paragraphs, making the essay a total of 6 paragraphs long.
1-intro and claim
2- analyze the wind as a symbol because all four authors use wind and this helps keep the
meaning consistent
3-analyze the choice of rising “sun, uprise and dawn” may be symbolic of hope
4-analysis of positive connation of words creating irony and surprise
5-analysis of negative connotation to create foreshadow and a creepy mood
6-conclusion
Write a topic sentence for each body paragraph:
For example:
2-All four authors use “wind” in their translations which helps keep the meaning of the passage
consistent, because the wind is symbolic for change.
3-In each of the four translations, sunrise is symbolic of hope and this contributes to having
consistency.
4-Johnson and Lattimore use words with positive connotations in order to shock the audience
with Cassandra’s prediction of death.
5-Conversely, Fagles and Murray choose words with negative connotations in order to establish
a bleak mood and foreshadow the dark events coming.
Write your introduction paragraph:
Give background from the play and set up all the circumstances surrounded when Cassandra
delivers this speech in the play.
Write your body paragraphs, using your topic sentences as guides.
Remember you must include the direct quotes with citations from each of the four translations
for the section you are discussing.
Write a conclusion in which you offer insight and reflection on the overall theme of the
play.
Edit your paragraphs.
Type up the paragraphs correcting any errors.
You now have a rough draft!