Study guide for Ajax, by Sophocles
Part 1 – Cell 1 – Athena and Odysseus
Athena- “…Of Ajax, camped at the army’s outmost verge, long have I
watched thee hunting in his trail, and scanning his fresh prints, to
learn if now he be within or forth…”
Odysseus- “…For not long since we found that our whole spoil had
been destroyed, both herds and flocks, slaughtered by some man’s
hand…”
Summary- Athena is talking to Odysseus about how she saw Ajax
trying to hunt down animals. Odysseus tells her that his animals have
been killed.
Comprehension Question- Odysseus tells Athena that what has
been killed?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, verge most closely
means…
a. an enclosing boundary
b. someone being mean
c. something moving
d. a male organ
Discussion Questions
- Do you think that Ajax killed the animals that Odysseus found?
- If it were Ajax killing the animals, why do you think that he would
want to?
Cell 2 – Athena and Odysseus
Athena- “By night he [Ajax] meant to steal you alone.”
Odysseus- “Did he come near us? Did he reach his goal?”
Athena- “He stood already at the two chiefs’ doors.”
Odysseus- “What then withheld his eager hand from bloodshed?”
Summary- Athena tells Odysseus that Ajax came to take him but
didn’t. Odysseus then asks Athena why he didn’t.
Comprehension Question- Who was going to take Odysseus but
didn’t?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, withheld most closely
means…
a. went for
b. took
c. restrained
e. received
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think that Ajax came to take Odysseus?
- Why do you think Ajax didn’t follow through with his plan?
Cell 3 – Athena and Odysseus
Athena- “’Twas I restrained him, casting on his eyes o’ermastering
notions of that baneful ecstasy that turned his rage on flocks and
mingled droves of booty yet unshared, guarded by herdsmen. Then
plunging amid the thronging horns he slew smiting on all sides; and
one while he fancied the Atreidae were the captives he was
slaughtering…” “…he bound with thongs such oxen as yet lived, with all
the sheep, and drove them to his tents, as though his spoil were men,
not horned cattle. Now lashed together in the hut he tortures them.
But to thee too will I expose this madness, that seeing thou mayst
proclaim it to all the Greeks.”
Summary- Athena tells Odysseus that she saw Ajax taking oxen and
sheep into a tent. He lashed at the animals with his thong, torturing
them. Athena then tells Odysseus that she is going to say what Ajax
did to all the Greeks.
Comprehension Question- What kind of animals was Ajax hurting?
Why was Ajax hurting animals?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, herdsmen most closely
means…
a. an owner of livestock
b. a person who herds men
c. a person who heard animals
d. all of the above
Discussion Questions
- Now that we know that Ajax killed the animals, why do you think he
did?
- Do you think that Athena should tell all the Greeks about what Ajax
did?
Cell 4 – Athena and Odysseus
Odysseus- “What dost thou, Athena? Do not summon him forth.”
Athena- “Abide in silence. Earn not the name of coward.”
Odysseus- “Nay, by the Gods, let him remain within.”
Summary- Athena summons Ajax and Odysseus doesn’t want her to.
Athena tells Odysseus to remain calm don’t say a word.
Comprehension Question- Who does Athena summons?
Vocabulary Question- In the above quote, abide most closely
means…
a. don’t listen to
b. to put up with
c. listen to
d. to not put up with
Discussion Question
- Why do you think that Odysseus doesn’t want Athena to summon
Ajax?
- Why do you think that Athena tells Odysseus to remain calm and
don’t say a word?
Cell 5 – Athena and Odysseus
Athena- “What dost thou dread? Was he not once a man?”
Odysseus- “Yes, and to me a foeman, and still it.”
Athena- “To mock foes, is not that the sweetest mockery?”
Summary- Athena asks Odysseus why he doesn’t want Ajax to come.
Odysseus says that he is an enemy. Athena then tells Odysseus that it
is fun to make fun of your enemies.
Comprehension Question- Why doesn’t Odysseus want Ajax to
come?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, foeman most closely
means…
a. a foreman
b. a float
c. an enemy
d. a warrior
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think that Ajax is Odysseus’ enemy?
- Why do you think that Athena tells Odysseus that it is fun to make
fun of your enemies?
Cell 6 – Athena and Odysseus
Athena- “Even now he shall not see thee, near as thou art.”
Odysseus- “How so, if still with the same eyes he sees?”
Athena- Stand then silent, abiding as thou art.”
Odysseus- Stay I must; yet I fain would be far hence.”
Summary- Odysseus is worried that when Ajax comes he is going to
see him. Athena tells him that he won’t and that all Odysseus has to
do it stay silent.
Comprehension Question- Who is worried about Ajax’s seeing him?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, hence most closely
means…
a. imagine where
b. from there
c. from here
d. for a reason scared
Discussion Questions
- What do you think will happen if Ajax does see Odysseus?
- Do you think that Odysseus trusts Athena enough to know that Ajax
won’t see him?
Cell 7 – Athena and Ajax
Athena- “Ho, Ajax! Once again I summon thee. So slight is they
regard for thine ally?”
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
right conquest.”
Athena- “They words are welcome. But now tell me this: hast thou
dyed well thy sword in the Argive host?”
Summary- Ajax walks into the scene, and Athena greets Ajax. They
both compliment each other.
Comprehension Question- Who walks into the scene?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, conquest most closely
means…
a. a quest that needs to be fulfilled
b. conquering, victory
c. invasion
d. fight
Discussion Question
- Do you think that Ajax is a nice person from what you have heard
about him so far?
- Why do you think Athena is talking to Ajax?
Cell 8 – Athena and Ajax
Athena- “’Tis well. And what then of Laertes’ son? In what plight does
he stand? Or has he escaped thee?”
Ajax- “Wouldst thou know where is that accursed fox?”
Athena- “Even so-Odysseus, thine old adversary.”
Ajax- “Goddess, a most dear captive in my tent he sits. I do not mean
him to die yet.”
Summary- Athena asks Ajax if he knows where Odysseus is even
though she already knows. Ajax tells Athena that Odysseus is in his
tent (which is so not true).
Comprehension Question- Who does Athena ask when she wants to
know where Odysseus is?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, adversary most closely
means…
a. friend
b. advisor
c. enemy
e. king
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think that Ajax is falsely telling Athena about Odysseus’
being in his tent?
- Why is Athena asked Ajax if he knows where Odysseus is?
Cell 9 – Athena and Ajax
Athena- “What evil wilt thou inflict on the poor wretch?”
Ajax- “His back the scourge must crimson ere he dies.”
Athena- “Nay, do no torture so the wretched man.”
Summary- Athena ask Ajax how much torture he will inflict on
Odysseus. He says that he will hit his back enough times to the point
where his back bleeds. Athena then tells him to not torture him.
Comprehension Question- How many times is Ajax going to hit
Odysseus’s back?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, crimson most closely
means…
a. the crimson chin of time
b. blue/green with envy
c. purple/red with blood
d. orange/yellow with jaundice
Discussion Question
- Why does Ajax want to inflict so much pain on Odysseus?
- Why do you think that Athena tells Ajax not to torture Odysseus so
much when she know that Odysseus is near her and not it Ajax’s tent?
Cell 10 – Athena and Odysseus
Odysseus- “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. My own lot I
regard no less that his. For I see well nought else are we but mere
phantoms, all we that live, mere fleeting shadows.”
Athena- “Warned therefore by his fate, never do thou thyself utter
proud words against the gods; nor swell with insolence, if thou
shouldst vanquish some rival by main strength or by wealth’s power.
For a day can bring all mortal greatness low, and a day can lift it up.
But the gods love the wise of the heart, the froward they abhor.
Summary- Odysseus is basically saying that he hates Ajax and
Athena is saying that she warned him.
Comprehension Question- Who does Odysseus hate?
Vocabulary Question- In the quote above, utter most closely
means…
a. speak
b. milk a cow
c. make butter
d. a cow’s body part
Discussion Questions
- Why does Odysseus hate Ajax?
- What does Athena mean when she says that she is warning him?
Part 2 - Cell 1
“ATHENA Seest thou, Odysseus, how great the strength of gods?”
Athena tells Odysseus Do you see Odysseus the power/strength of the
gods?
In the quote above Seest most likely means…
A) Smell that thing
B) Do see
C) Thought of touch
D) Heard a beast
What do you think would happen if Odysseus answers No that he does
not see the strength/power of the gods?
What does Athena ask Odysseus?
If someone were to use this quote as a way to prove something how
do you think they would use it?
Cell 2
Odysseus
Athena
“ODYSSEUS 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.
My own lot I regard no less than his.
For I see well, nought else are we but mere
Phantoms, all we that live, mere fleeting shadows.”
This Quote is when Odysseus is talking to Athena about Ajax. Athena
Asks him if he could not find a more courageous man than Ajax
Odysseus answers by saying I know no one as noble as him but he is
still my foe and he is stuck to an evil doom.
"I know none nobler; and I pity him
In his misery, albeit he is my foe..."
In this quote what does albeit mean?
A) Conceding a fact
B) False-hearted friend
C) Even though
D) Wrongly accused
Do you think Odysseus is telling the truth about his not knowing
anyone much nobler than Ajax?
Who are Odysseus and Athena talking about?
Do you think it is ethically correct for Odysseus to call Ajax his Foe?
Cell 3
Chorus
“Son of Telamon, lord of Salamis' isle,
On its wave-washed throne mid the breaking sea,
I rejoice when fair are thy fortunes:
But whene'er thou art smitten by the stroke of Zeus,
Or the vehement blame of the fierce-tongued Greeks,
Then sore am I grieved, and for fear I quake,
As a fluttering dove with a scared eye.”
This quote is about the chorus singing about the son of Telamon also
goes by the name of Ajax. They say Ajax king of Salamis on the throne
in the middle of the sea I am glad when goodness are fortunes but
when you are killed by Zeus or the enraged blame of the Greeks then I
am sad and I’m scared as a dove with an eye with a scar.
What does vehement most closely mean in the quote above?
A) Happy
B) Sad
C) Enraged
D) Weird
How do you think the Chorus knows that Ajax will die because of
Zeus?
What do you think Ajax would do if he were to hear what the chorus is
singing?
What would you do if you were talking to somebody and then a chorus
starts singing about a persons life?
Cell 4
Chorus
“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.
Best prosper the lowly in league with the great;
And the great have need to be served by the less.
But none to the knowledge of such plain truths
May lead minds witless and froward.
Even such are the men who murmur against thee:
And vainly without thine aid, O King,
We strive to repel their accusing hate.”
The chorus keeps on singing about Ajax. They say of all the bad things
no faith would he get. Creeping Jealousy is much stronger, yet weak
men take help from the strong, from the ones who can be badly
trusted to trust their defenses. Then they say we make an effort to
keep away their accusations of hatred.
In this quote Strive most closely means…
A) Struggle
B) Eat
C) Play
D) Hate
What do you think Athena and Odysseus would think about what the
chorus is singing about if they were to hear it?
What do you think the chorus is singing about?
What kind of Misdeeds do you think the chorus is singing about?
Part 3 - Cell #1: Tecmessa tells the story
“Hereof in the tent may proof be seen; sword-slain victims in their own
blood bathed, by his hand sacrificially slaughtered.” –Tecmessa
Summary: Tecmessa, Ajax’s concubine/wife, comes on stage and
begins to tell the story of how Ajax, in a fit of insanity, brought a herd
of sheep into his and Tecmessa’s tent and violently killed all the sheep.
Reading Comprehension Question: According to the quote, where does
Tecmessa have proof for her story?
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, what does the word
slaughtered most closely mean?
a) worshiped
b) saved
c) killed
d) honored
Predictive Question: Will Tecmessa explain why Ajax killed the sheep?
Associative Question: How does Tecmessa feel about Ajax’s going
insane? How would you feel if one of your family members started to
go insane? How does our society treat the mentally ill?
Cell #2: Violent details
“…sliced off from the one both the head and the tongue, and flings
them away; but the other upright to a pillar he binds, then seizing a
heavy horse-harnessing thong he smites with the whistling doubled
lash…” –Tecmessa
Summary: Tecmessa gives details on exactly how Ajax slaughtered
some of the sheep (slicing off heads, whipping, etc.)
Reading Comprehension Question: What are two ways that Ajax killed
the sheep?
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word smites most
closely means…
a) strikes
b) kisses
c) walks
d) brushes
Ethical Question: Is it morally right to kill an animal in such a violent
way?
Literary Question: How does the imagery used in the quote help
convey a specific feeling? What is that feeling?
Cell #3: Ajax’s plight
“His rage dies down like a fierce south-wind. But now, grown sane,
new misery is his…” –Tecmessa
Summary: Tecmessa tells the audience that when Ajax was crazy and
killing sheep, he didn’t realize how terrible his actions were. Now, he
is starting to come back to normal. As he comes back to normal,
though, he understands his actions and he becomes miserable again.
Reading Comprehension Question: Is Ajax still in a rage?
Vocabulary Question: What does the word sane most nearly mean?
a) handsome
b) intelligent
c) brave
d) mentally healthy
Ethical Question: Is it right for Ajax to take out his anger on a herd of
sheep?
Associative Question: In other plays, how do characters deal with their
anger? Are their methods any better or healthier?
Cell #4: To laugh or to cry
“And which, were the choice thine, wouldst though prefer, to afflict thy
friends and feel delight thyself, or to share sorrow, grieving with their
grief?” –Tecmessa
“The twofold woe, lady, would be the greater.” –Leader of the Chorus
Summary: Tecmessa asks, “What would you prefer—to laugh at your
friends for having problems or to feel sorry for them and cry with
them?” The chorus answers that it is better to feel bad with them.
Reading Comprehension Question: According to the leader of the
chorus, is it better to laugh at your friends or to cry with them?
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word to afflict most
closely means…
a) to squish with great force
b) to inflict suffering on
c) to brighten someone’s day
d) to understand completely
Ethical/associative Question: Compare the leader’s answer to your own
personal answer. Which option is easier to do? Which option is more
ethically correct?
Literary Question: What do you know about Ajax from other works of
literature? How does this one question relate to Ajax’s entire life?
Cell #5: A god
“And I fear, from some god came this stroke; how else?” -Leader of
the Chorus
Summary: The leader correctly guesses that a god instilled the terrible
rage in Ajax.
Reading Comprehension Question: Who brought about Ajax’s insanity?
Vocabulary Question: In the quote above, the word stroke most closely
means…
a) sudden action
b) lazy person
c) excited dog
d) bright sunrise
Predictive Question: What will Tecmessa do about what Ajax did?
Ethical Question: Is it right for the gods to do such things to mortals
that can ruin their lives as well as the lives of those close to them?
Cell #6: Silence, Woman!
“But curtly he replied in well-worn phrase: ‘Woman, silence is the
grace of woman.’ Thus schooled, I yielded; and he rushed out alone.
What passed outside the tent, I cannot tell. But in he came, driving
lashed together bulls, and shepherd dogs, and fleecy prey. Some he
beheaded, the wrenched-back throats of some he slit, or cleft their
chines; others he bound and tortured, as though men they were, not
beasts.” -Tecmessa
Summary: Tecmessa tells the story for a second time, this time in
even more detail. She explains that, the previous night, when she had
seen Ajax take a sword and start to walk out of their tent, she had
called to him and told him not to leave. Ajax told her to shut up, and
he went out, coming back with a herd a sheep and killing them
violently. Tecmessa then tells the audience that he is now sitting all
alone and depressed.
Reading Comprehension Question: What does Ajax tell Tecmessa?
Vocabulary Question: Curtly means…
a) sweetly
b) happily
c) disappointedly
d) rudely
Ethical Question: Should Ajax be so mean to his wife?
Associative Question: Compare Ajax’s wild killing of the sheep to a
sacrificial killing of a sheep described in other pieces of literature.
Associative question: Does the play support or criticize Ajax’s telling
Tecmessa to be quiet?
Part 4 - Cell # 1
Ajax [chanting] Alas
My mates, skilled and tried in brave seamanship,
Ye who embarking drove the wave-cleaving oar,
In you, in you alone I see a help and refuge from
Despair.
Smite me, and spill my blood too.
Summary: Ajax is telling his friends that he wants
to die and that they can help him do it.
Do you think that Ajax is happy?
What does smite in the quote above mean?
a. loved, insane
b. smacked, struck
c. kissed, wished
d. hugged, mugged
From the quote above what does Ajax see in his
friends alone?
Why is he in so much despair?
Ajax
I feel so
badddd!!!!!!!
Cell # 2
Ajax [chanting] oh, wretch that I was to allow
Those cursed foes to slip from my hands, and assaulting
Horned kine and goodly flocks, madly to spill
Their life in streams of dark blood!
Leader Why still be afflicted, now the deed is done
past cure?
Never can these things be as though they had not been.
Ajax [chanting] Thou all- spying knave, of all deeds of
Shame
Summary: Ajax is saying how he let them go and how
how Odysseus, the wise is the villain.
Who are the cursed foes of which he speaks of?
How did they spill their life?
In the quote above what does wretch mean?
a. worthless person
b. happy pie
c. good boy
d. worthy thief
Why did he let them slip away?
Ajax
Odysseus
He’s the villain!
Cell # 3
Tecmessa If thus thou prayest, pray therewith for me,
That die with thee. Why, when thou art dead, should I live
On?
Ajax [chanting] Alas!
Receive, receive me your habitant.
Receive me now no more worthy to seek help of the gods,
Nor any more from fellow mortal men to claim kindness:
No, but she the strong
Zeus-born deity
Miserably tortures me.
Whither should I then flee?
Whither seek for rest?
Since my former glory is gone, my friends,
With yonder victims, yonder spoils frenzy won,
Since all the host with swords uplifted
Sternly would slay me,
Summary: Ajax is saying since he can’t get any help
From anyone since he is no longer worthy, accept him
as he is and slay him.
Who is he not worthy enough to seek for help from?
Why do you think the Zeus-born deity tortures him?
What does whither mean in the quote above?
a. to scare
b. to under there
c. to be poor
d. to where
What do you think Tecmessa thinks about this?
Ajax
I have no help take your
Advantage!!!!!
Cell # 4
Ajax
Beneath the walls of Troy me have you kept,
but from this hour Alive you shall not keep me.
Truth I speak: let none Doubt it.
O Scamander’s wave,
Stream whose neighbouring flow
Oft have the Argives blest,
Never, nevermore
Me shall you behold,
Me [a proud word will I utter now]
Whose peer in battle Troy has never seen yet come
Hellas’ land: but now dishonoured Thus am I prostrate.
Summary: Ajax is saying that he how he is worthless and
That he doesn’t want to be kept alive anymore.
Where was Ajax kept?
Do you think that he should be so hard on himself?
In the quote above what does prostrate mean?
a. exhausted as a bug under glass b. flat on the floor in faithful
prayer
c. honest as a dead judge
d. cute as a greedy child
What would be your reaction to Ajax’s behavior?
Ajax
Leader
Please kill me!!!!
Cell # 5
But the irresistible fierce-eyed goddess, even
As I was arming my right hand to slay them,
Foiled me, smiting me with a maddening plague,
So that I stained my hand butchering these cattle.
Thus my foes mock me, escaped beyond my reach,
Through no goodwill of mine: but if god
Thwart vengeance, even the base may escape the nobler.
And what should I now do, who manifestly
To heaven am hateful; whom the Greeks abhor,
Whom every Trojan hates, and this whole land?
Shall I desert the beached ships, and abandon
The Atreidae, sail home o’er the Aegean sea?
With what face shall I appear before my father
Telamon? How will he find heart to look
On me, stripped of my championship in war,
That mighty crown of fame that once was his?
No, that I dare not.
Summary: Ajax is saying how he let his glory slip away and how
everyone hates him and how he can never face his father again. After
all, the crown was once his.
Who is Ajax’s father?
What did Ajax let slip away?
In the quote above the word foes means?
a. friends
b. boyfriends
c. girlfriends
d. enemies
Do you think that his father will forgive him?
Please forgive me???
Ajax
Dad
Part 5 - Cell #1: Tecmesa and Ajax
I was rich,
but now look
I approve,
but…
Quote: “Thy father in his drear old age-thy mother With her sad
weight of years, who many a time Prays to the gods that thou come
home alive. And pity, O king, thy son, who without thee To foster his
youth, must live the orphaned ward Of loveless guardians.”
Summary: Tecmesa is complaining to Ajax and saying how she was a
child born to a man as great and rich as Phrygian. But now she is a
slave. She knows how much her mother is waiting her return and how
her brother is miserable with his parents not loving him. She then
asks Ajax to take her to them. Ajax approves, on one condition.
What can you conclude about what Tecmesa thinks of her life?
In
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above, ward means
person being guarded
loser losing life
empty room
fight between friends
Do you think she has a right to feel this way? Why?
Would Ajax have approved of she hadn’t in fact made such a long
speech about his miserable life?
Cell #2: Ajax says what he wants
Go get me my
son! I want to see
But I have sent
him away!
Quote: “AJAX: Then bring me here my son, for I would see him.
TECMESSA: Nay, but I sent him from me in my fears.
AJAX During my late affliction, is that thy meaning?
TECMESSA: Lest by ill chance he should meet thee and so perish.
AJAX: Yes, that would have been worthy of my fate.”
Summary: Ajax is telling Tecmesa that she should go bring him his
son because he would like to see him. But she tells him that she had
sent him because of her fears. She says that it was for his best and
Ajax thanks her.
What does Ajax want Tecmesa to do?
In
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above affliction means
affection
dread
pain/suffering
happiness
Do you think Tecmesa had good reason for what she did?
Would Tecmesa have let Ajax see his son if he hadn’t approved of her
proposal?
Cell #3: Eurysaces enters
MY
SON!
Quote: “AJAX: Lift him up, lift him hither. He will not shrink In terror
at sight of yonder new-spilt blood, If he be rightly mine, his father's
son. Early must he be broken to his sire's Stern rugged code, and
grow like-natured with him.”
Summary: Ajax is telling the attendant to lift up the child and bring it
to him. He says that if he is anything like his father he must be strong
and rugged. He also wishes that his son ends up happier than his
father and not make the same mistakes. He says that even though he
will be gone when he is of grown age he will leave him in the care of
Teucer.
What does Ajax wish for his son?
In
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above yonder means
here
indicated place
near the heart
wherever
Is Ajax right by saying this to his son or should he just shut up and be
happy?
What kind of father would Ajax be if he were alive to see his son
grown?
Cell #4: Protecting Eurysaces
Here take him away
and lock the doors
You’re
scaring
!
Quote: “And let there be no weeping and lamenting Before the hut.
Women love tears too well. Close quickly. It is not for a skilful leech To
drone charms o'er a wound that craves the knife.
LEADER: I am fearful, listening to this eager mood. The sharp edge of
thy tongue, I like it not.
TECMESSA: O my lord Ajax, what art thou purposing?
AJAX: Question me not. To be discreet is best.”
Summary: Ajax orders for his son to be taken away to safety and for
the doors to be locked. Tecmessa and the leader begin to worry and
ask what is the matter. But Ajax tells them that it is the best thing to
do at the time.
How does the leader feel about Ajax’s mood?
In
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above discreet means
mean/cheerful
nice/nasty
civil/calm
stupid/teacher-like
Do you think Tecmessa and the leader have a right to be worried?
Would Ajax be as worried if Eurysaces were older?
Cell #5: Ajax gets mad at Tecmessa
But
h ?
CUZ I
SAID SO!
Quote: “TECMESSA: Utter no proud words.
AJAX: Speak to those who listen.
TECMESSA: Wilt thou not heed?
AJAX: Too much thou hast spoken already.
TECMESSA: Yes, through my fears, O king.
AJAX: Close the doors quickly.
TECMESSA: For the gods' love, relent.
AJAX: 'Tis a foolish hope, If thou shouldst now propose to school my
mood.”
Summary: Tecmessa begins asking questions to Ajax of what is going
on. However, Ajax gets frustrated and tells her that she has talked
too much and should just take the child and leave. She then leaves
with Eurysaces.
What does Ajax say when Tecmessa begins asking questions?
In
a)
b)
c)
d)
the quote above relent means
receive
push
care
comply
Was Ajax right by scolding at Tecmessa the way that he did?
What would have happened if Tecmessa hadn’t listened to Ajax and
not left with Eurysaces?
Missing Part 6
Part 7 - Cell 1:
Summary: The leader woke Tecmessa to tell her that there was a
messenger here to see her. The messenger reported that Teucer
predicted that Ajax would be in mortal danger if he left his tent.
Teucer learned of the prediction about Ajax from Thestor’s son.
Tecmessa
Quote: TECMESSA
Why alas do you break my rest again
After brief respite from relentless woes?
LEADER
Give hearing to this messenger, who brings
Tidings that grieve me of how Ajax fares.
TECMESSA
Ah me, what sayest thou, man? Are we
undone?
MESSENGER
I know not of thy fortune; but for Ajax,
If he be gone abroad, my mind misgives.
TECMESSA
Yes, he is gone. I am racked to know thy
meaning.
MESSENGER
Teucer commands you to keep him within
doors,
And not to let him leave his tent alone.
TECMESSA
And where is Teucer, and why speaks he thus?
MESSENGER
He has but now returned, and he forebodes
That this going-forth will prove fatal to Ajax.
TECMESSA
Woe's me, alas! From whom has he learned
this?
MESSENGER
From the seer, Thestor's son, this very day,
Which is fraught either with his death or life.
TECMESSA
Ah me, my friends, avert this threatening
doom
Speed some of you to hasten Teucer hither:
Others go search the bays, some west, some
east,
And track my lord's ill-omened going-forth.
Yes, now I know I have been deceived by him,
And from his former favour quite cast out.
Alas, child, what shall I do? Sit still I must not:
But far as I have strength I too will go.
Let us start quickly-'tis no time for loitering,
If we would save one who is in haste to die.
LEADER
I am ready, as not words alone shall prove,
But speed of act and foot to make words good.
The CHORUS, TECMESSA and MESSENGER go out. The scene changes
to a lonely place by the sea-shore. Bushes and under- brush are in the
background. AJAX enters alone.
Questions:
What did the messenger tell Tecmessa?
In the quote “I know not of thy fortune” fortune most nearly means?
A) Luck/destiny
B) Predictions/lies
C) Past/lost
D) None of the above
What would happen if Teucer did not make that prediction?
Why does Tecmessa have to know of Teucer’s prediction?
Cell 2:
Summary: Ajax then gives a big long speech before he kills himself by
falling on his own sword. He says to the gods Zeus and Hermies to
make his death swift. He also says that he wants Teucer to find him
first, he does not want the enemy to find him first so his body can be
taken care of and be given a proper burial.
Quote:
AJAX
The slayer stands so that his edge may cleave
Most surely (if there be leisure for such thought),
Being the gift of Hector, of all friends
Most unloved, and most hateful to my sight.
Then it is planted in Troy's hostile soil,
New-sharpened on the iron-biting whet.
And heedfully have I planted it, that so
With a swift death it prove to me most kind.
Thus have I made all ready. Next be thou
The first, O Zeus, to aid me, as is right.
It is no mighty boon that I shall crave.
Send some announcer of the evil news
To Teucer, that he first may lift me up,
When I have fallen upon this reeking sword,
Lest ere he come some enemy should espy me
And cast me forth to dogs and birds a prey.
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.
Next I call on those maidens ever-living
And ever watchful of all human miseries,
The dread swift-striding Erinyes, that they mark
How by the Atreidae I have been destroyed:
And these vile men by a vile doom utterly
May they cut off, even as they see me here.
Come, O ye swift avenging Erinyes,
Spare not, touch with affliction the whole host.
And thou, whose chariot mounts up the steep sky,
Thou Sun, when on the land where I was born
Thou shalt look down, check thy gold-spangled rein,
And announce my disasters and my doom
To my aged sire and her who nurtured me.
She, woful woman, when she hears these tidings
Will wail out a loud dirge through all the town.
But I waste labour with this idle moan.
The act must now be done, and that with speed.
O Death, Death, come now and look upon me.No, 'tis there I shall meet and speak to thee.
But thee, bright daylight which I now behold,
And Helios in his chariot I accost
For this last time of all, and then no more.
O sunlight! O thou hallowed soil, my own
Salamis, stablished seat of my sire's hearth,
And famous Athens, with thy kindred race,
And you, ye springs and streams, and Trojan plains,
Farewell, all ye who have 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. His body lies partially concealed by the
underbrush. SEMI-CHORUS 1 enters.
Questions: How did Ajax kill himself?
In the quote “The slayer stands so that his edge may cleave” cleave
means most nearly means?
A) Eat
B) Cut
C) Point
D) None of the above
What would happen if Ajax did not kill himself?
Why did Ajax kill himself?
Cell 3:
Summary: The chorus is looking for their leader Ajax and they cannot
find him. The 2 semi choruses are talking back and forth and saying
that they have looked up and down the beach westward of the ship.
Quote: SEMI-CHORUS 1 chanting
'Tis toil on toil, and toil again.
Where! where!
Where have not my footsteps been?
And still no place reveals the secret of my
search.
But hark!
There again I hear a sound.
SEMI-CHORUS 2 enters.
SEMI-CHORUS 2 chanting
'Tis we, the ship-companions of your voyage.
SEMI-CHORUS 1 chanting
Well how now?
SEMI-CHORUS 2 chanting
We have searched the whole coast westward
from the ship.
SEMI-CHORUS 1 chanting
You have found nought?
SEMI-CHORUS 2 chanting
A deal of toil, but nothing more to see.
SEMI-CHORUS 1 chanting
Neither has he been found along the path
That leads from the eastern glances of the sun.
CHORUS singing
strophe
From whom, oh from whom? what hard son of the waves,
Plying his weary task without thought of sleep,
Or what Olympian nymph of hill or stream that flows
Down to the Bosporus' shore,
Might I have tidings of my lord
Wandering somewhere seen
Fierce of mood? Grievous it is
When I have toiled so long, and ranged far and wide
Thus to fail, thus to have sought in vain.
Still the afflicted hero nowhere may I find.
Questions: Who is the chorus looking for?
In the quote “'Tis toil on toil” toil most nearly means.
A) Play
B) Jump
C) Work hard
D) None of the above
What would happen if the chorus did not look for Ajax?
What would happen if the chorus found him?
Cell 4
Summary: Tecmessa finds the body behind a bush and tells the
chorus. Tecmessa say that it is obvious that he killed himself by
falling on his own sword. The chorus is astonished.
Quote: TECMESSA enters and discovers the body.
TECMESSA
Alas, woe, woe!
CHORUS chanting
Whose cry was it that broke from yonder
copse?
TECMESSA
Alas, woe is me!
LEADER OF THE 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.
LEADER
What is it? Speak.
TECMESSA
Ajax, our master, newly slaughtered lies
Yonder, a hidden sword sheathed in his body.
CHORUS chanting
Woe for my lost hopes of home!
Woe's me, thou hast slain me, my king,
Me thy shipmate, hapless man!
Woful-souled woman too!
TECMESSA
Since thus it is with him, 'tis mine to wail.
LEADER
By whose hand has he wrought this luckless
deed?
TECMESSA
By his own hand, 'tis evident. This sword
Whereon he fell, planted in earth, convicts him.
Questions: Who found Ajax?
In the quote “'tis mine to wail.” Wail most nearly means
A) Laugh
B) Weep
C) Sleep
D) None of the above
What would happen if Tecmessa did not find Ajax?
What would happen if the enemy found Ajax?
Cell 5:
Summary: Tecmessa suggests that we should have Ajax’ brother
Teucer clean up the body. The chorus is saying that it was fate, and
there is nothing that we can do about it.
Quote: CHORUS chanting
Woe for my blind folly! Lone in thy blood thou liest, from friends' help
afar.
And I the wholly witless, the all unwary,
Forbore to watch thee. Where, where
Lieth the fatally named, intractable Ajax?
TECMESSA
None must behold him. I will shroud him
wholly
In this enfolding mantle; for no man
Who loved him could endure to see him thus
Through nostrils and through red gash
spouting up
The darkened blood from his self-stricken
wound.
Ah me, what shall I do? What friend shall lift
thee?
Where is Teucer? Timely indeed would he now
come,
To compose duly his slain brother's corpse.
O hapless Ajax, who wast once so great,
Now even thy foes might dare to mourn thy
fall.
CHORUS chanting
antistrophe
'Twas fate's will, alas, 'twas fate then for thou
Stubborn of soul at length to work out a dark
Doom of ineffable miseries. Such the dire
Fury of passionate hate
I heard thee utter fierce of mood
Railing at Atreus' sons
Night by night, day by day.
Verily then it was the sequence of woes
First began, when as the prize of worth
Fatally was proclaimed the golden panoply.
TECMESSA
Alas, woe, woe!
CHORUS chanting
A loyal grief pierces thy heart, I know.
TECMESSA
Alas, woe, woe!
CHORUS chanting
Woman, I marvel not that thou shouldst wail
And wail again, reft of a friend so dear.
TECMESSA
'Tis thine to surmise, mine to feel, too surely.
CHORUS chanting
'Tis even so.
TECMESSA
Ah, my child, to what bondage are we come,
Seeing what cruel taskmasters will be ours.
Questions: Who does Tecmessa want to clean up the body?
In the quote “Alas, woe, woe” Alas most nearly mean?
A) Unfortunately
B) Sadly
C) Regrettably
D) All of the above
What would happen if the chorus cleaned up the body?
How did they know that Ajax killed himself?
Part 8 - Cell 1
You know
what is
ironic?
Quote: TECMESSA “Well, let them mock and glory in his ruin.
Perchance, though while he lived they wished not for him,
They yet shall wail him dead, when the spear fails them.
Men of ill judgment oft ignore the good
That lies within their hands, till they have lost it.
More to their grief he died than to their joy,
And to his own content. All his desire
He now has won, that death for which he longed.
Why then should they deride him? 'Tis the gods
Must answer for his death, not these men, no.
Then let Odysseus mock him with empty taunts.
Ajax is no more with them; but has gone,
Leaving to me despair and lamentation.”
Summary:
Tecmessa is explaining the irony that the townspeople who used to
mock the living Ajax, now mourn him. The irony is that the people now
appreciate Ajax when they didn’t before. She holds the gods
responsible for Ajax’ committing suicide. She realizes that she is left
with the negative aftermath of his death.
Vocabulary: In the quote “Well, let them mock and glory in his ruin.”
Mock most closely means:
a)to make fun of
b)to laugh with
c)to wrestle with
d)to die with
Reading Comprehension: What is Tecmessa explaining?
Discussion Question:
Do you agree with Tecmessa’s justification of Ajax’ committing suicide?
How do you think Tecmessa will deal with the negative aftermath of
Ajax’s suicide?
Cell 2
Waaah!
Quote:
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!
LEADER Since thus it is...
TEUCER O wretched, wretched me!
LEADER Thou hast cause to moan.
TEUCER O swift and cruel woe!
LEADER Too cruel, Teucer!
TEUCER Woe is me! But sayHis child-where shall I find him? Tell me where.
LEADER Alone within the tent.
TEUCER (to TECMESSA) Then with all speed
Go; bring him thither, lest some foe should snatch him
Like a whelp from a lioness bereaved.
Away! See it done quickly! All men are wont
To insult over the dead, once they lie low. (TECMESSA departs.)
Summary:
Teucer, brother of Ajax, expresses his grief and realizes he will have to
do something to save Ajax’s son.
Vocabulary: In the quote “O swift and cruel woe!”
Woe most closely means:
a)happiness
b)anger
c)grief
d)confusion
Reading comprehension: Who is expressing his grief for Ajax?
Literary Device Question: In the quote “Like a whelp from a lioness
bereaved” is it a metaphor, a simile, alliteration, or catachresis?
Discussion Question:
Do you think Teucer will save Ajax’s son?
Cell 3
Let me
see the
body.
Quote:
TEUCER O sight most grievous to me of all sights
That ever I have looked on with my eyes!
And hatefullest of all paths to my soul
This path that now has led me to thy side,
O dearest Ajax, when I heard thy fate,
While seeking thee I tracked thy footsteps out.
For a swift rumor, as from some god, ran
Through the Greek host that thou wast dead and gone.
While yet far off I heard it, and groaned deep
In anguish; now I see, and my life dies.
Ay me!
Uncover. Let me behold woe's very worst. (The cover is lifted from
the body.) O ghastly sight! victim of ruthless courage!
Summary:
Teucer is still grieving over his dead brother, saying that when he was
looking for him he heard rumors of his brother’s death. He then asks
to see the body of his dead brother and grieves even more.
Vocabulary: In the quote “While seeking thee I tracked thy footsteps
out.” Tracked most closely means:
a) ran from
b) stolen from a child
c) disappeared in a box
d)looked for
Reading comprehension: What were the rumors Teucer heard?
Literary Device Question: What literary device best describes the quote
“all paths to my soul”?
Discussion Question:
Do you think Teucer will ever stop grieving for his brother?
Cell 4
Got to bury
my brother.
Quote:
LEADER Speak no more, but take counsel how to inter
Our dear lord, and what now it were best to say:
For 'tis a foe I see. Perchance he comes
To mock our misery, villain that he is.
Summary:
The leader of the chorus tells Teucer to stop mourning and begin the
burial of his brother so that no one will make fun of them.
Vocabulary: In the quote “…but take counsel…”
Counsel most closely means:
a) advice
b) bush
c) illusion
d) group of people
Reading Comprehension: What is the chorus telling Teucer to do?
Discussion:
Do you agree with the way the chorus is telling Teucer to stop
mourning? Why?
If they didn’t bury Ajax, do you think people would make fun of them?
Cell 5
Better
Quote:
MENELAUS “We hoped that we had brought this man from home
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
Established 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 says that Ajax would have become a hero and friend of
Greece if he had still been alive, but maybe he is better dead because
he didn’t respect people with authority over him.
Vocabulary: In the quote “Yet 'tis a sign of wickedness”
Wickedness most closely means:
a) good
b)evil
c) big
d) invisible
Reading Comprehension: What is Menelaus saying?
Discussion:
Do you think it is right that Menelaus is saying that Ajax should be
dead?
Do you think that Ajax would have been a hero if he were still alive?
Part 9 - Cell 1
LEADER Menelaus, do not first lay down wise precepts,
Then thyself offer outrage to the dead.
Summary: The leader is telling Menelaus not to put down wise actions
and not get angry at the dead.
Comprehension Question: What is Menelaus saying?
Vocabulary question- in the quote above- What does the word precept
mean?
a) ideas, thoughts, rules
b) snorts, sneezes, slurps
c) horses, dogs, rats
d) toys, gewgaws, knick knacks
Ethical Question- Is it right to show outrage to the dead?
Cell 2
MENELAUS This bowman, it seems, has pride enough to spare.
I’m the best
Summary: Menelaus is saying that the bowman has a lot of pride.
Comprehension Question: What is Menelaus saying?
Vocabulary Question- What is pride?
a) crushing defeat
b) overweening arrogance
c) cruel assistance
d) pushing someone down stairs
Ethical Question- Is it good to have pride?
Cell 3 TEUCER Do not dishonour then the gods who saved you.
Summary: Teucer is saying to Menelaus that he should not dishonour
the gods.
Vocabulary Question- What does dishonour mean?
a) sarcastic sneer
b) fighting gods
c) shame, diss
d) mixed-up image
Comprehension question- What is Teucer saying?
Ethical Question- is it right to dishonour gods?
Cell #4
MENELAUS I go. It were disgrace should any know
I had fallen to chiding where I might chastise.
I must go before
someone sees me… I
am so disgraced!
Summary: Menelaus is saying that he is leaving before he gets
disgraced to have fallen in chiding.
Vocabulary question- What is chastise?
A) bargain, haggle
b) burp, vomit
c) scold, blame
d) smile, laugh
Comprehension Question- What is Menelaus saying?
Ethical Question- Is it really bad to chastise?
Cell #5
Come; but before he sees, no man
May divine what destiny awaits him.
Summary: The chorus is saying that without prophetic seeing, nobody
can foresee destiny.
Vocabulary Question- What does divine mean?
a) foresee, prophesy
b) watch, spy
c) curse, bless
d) bury, immure
Comprehension Question - what is the chorus chanting here?
Discussion Question- Do you agree with the quote above?