Scene I Summary
Scene I
The play begins with Athena informing Odysseus that Ajax slaughtered all the captured sheep and cows the previous night due to his anger over Odysseus receiving Achilles' shield, an honor Ajax believed he deserved. Athena reveals that she cast a spell on Ajax, making him think the animals were Greek warriors, leading him to believe he was killing his comrades. Now, Ajax has regained his senses and is horrified and ashamed of his actions.
The Chorus enters, emphasizing the downfall of this once-great warrior due to fate and the gods' actions. Tecmessa, Ajax’s captive and the mother of his child, enters and recounts the events of Ajax’s attack on the livestock. She also describes his deep sorrow and agony upon realizing what he had done.
In an extensive monologue, Ajax laments his family honor. He argues that he deserved the honor of Achilles’ arms, but instead, the prize was unjustly awarded to Odysseus. Ajax’s sorrow stems not from his murderous intentions towards Agamemnon or Odysseus, but from Athena deceiving him into killing sheep. Worse still, he believes the other warriors are mocking him.
Ajax speaks of suicide, and Tecmessa pleads with him not to take his own life. She insists that both she and their son need him. She also mentions his mother’s sorrow and his father’s love, prompting Ajax to request that his son be brought to him.
After Ajax and Tecmessa exit the stage, a soldier enters and describes the arrival of Ajax’s brother, Teucer. He has entered the camp amidst the taunts and insults of soldiers calling him the brother of a madman. A prophet had warned him to keep Ajax inside all day, but he arrived too late to prevent Ajax from leaving. The prophet foretold that Athena’s wrath would subside by nightfall, and that if Ajax was not kept inside for the day, he would perish.
The prophet claims that humans aim too high and should not aspire to be as great as the gods. This was Ajax’s error, and it is the reason the gods are punishing him. The scene concludes with Tecmessa urging everyone to search for Ajax and save him.
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