Tiger at the Gates

by Jean Giraudoux

Start Free Trial

Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

The story of "Tiger at the Gates" unfolds against the backdrop of a city poised on the brink of conflict. Hector, a revered Trojan hero, hopes to avert disaster while his wife, Andromache, clings to the promise of peace. However, the ever-persistent Cassandra foresees turmoil, her visions overshadowed by the human folly that often shapes destiny.

Andromache's Optimism

Andromache greets Cassandra with joyful news: Hector will soon soothe the Greek envoy’s tempers, preventing any war. Despite her enthusiasm, Cassandra's innate pessimism remains unshaken, as she predicts that human error will inevitably lead to destruction. In an attempt to clarify her ominous forewarning, Cassandra conjures an image—a tiger lurking at the palace gates, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Hector's Homecoming

Upon his return, Hector is greeted with the joyful anticipation of fatherhood, as Andromache reveals she is carrying what she believes to be a son. Andromache's fears linger, worried that their child might inherit Hector’s warrior spirit and penchant for battle. Yet Hector, now disillusioned with the glorification of war, vows to end conflict, seeking Priam's approval to permanently seal the gates of war.

Paris and Helen's Story

Cassandra brings Paris before Hector to recount the tale of how he kidnapped Helen. Paris explains his chance encounter with Helen, who was bathing while her husband Menelaus was preoccupied. Captivated by her distant allure, unlike the clinging nature of Trojan women, Paris brought her aboard his ship and sailed away. Though Hector has often had to remove Paris from such escapades, Paris defies him, choosing instead to heed Priam’s word.

The Elders' Infatuation

Cassandra observes the looming catastrophe, knowing Priam’s unwillingness to let Helen leave. The elderly men of Troy, including Priam, are enamored with Helen’s beauty, seeing her as the epitome of perfection. Hecuba, however, chides them to seek beauty among their own people, ridiculing the fleeting charm of Helen’s blond features. Despite this, the men remain bewitched by Helen, drawing inspiration and justification for war from her presence.

Hector's Attempt at Diplomacy

Hector encounters Helen, hoping to resolve the brewing conflict. Her unpredictable nature bewilders him, and though she agrees to leave Troy, her words hint at an impending catastrophe. She speaks of visions of war and ruin, identifying Paris only by his ring amidst the turmoil. Despite her unsettling insights, Helen promises to depart with Ulysses, yet her sincerity remains uncertain.

The Call for Peace

Left alone with Cassandra, Helen pleads for peace to manifest. Peace, however, remains unseen until she adopts a vivid disguise, by which time the Trojans cry out against the gods' displeasure. As the city's call to arms grows louder, Helen turns her charms on the young Troilus, who resists her, leaving her to bide her time and wait for another opportunity.

The Clash of Intentions

Though poets and mathematicians rally for war, and despite ominous warnings from a traveling expert on international rights, Hector offers a somber speech for the dead and closes the gates of war. Ajax, the first Greek ashore, confronts Hector with insults and a strike to the cheek. Hector, unfazed by the affront, retaliates against the poet instead, inciting a call for retribution. Ajax, impressed by Hector’s courage, vows not to fight him.

Ulysses and the Inevitable War

Hector assures Ajax and Ulysses that Helen will be returned to them. Despite his diplomatic approach, Ulysses, sensing the inescapable pull of war, laments the situation, especially given that the catalyst is Helen, whom he finds shallow and unworthy. Holding out hope, Ulysses attempts to return to his ship, but events quickly spiral out of control.

The Tragic Conclusion

Ajax, too slow to escape, is caught by the crowd after the poet’s cries for vengeance. The mob, misled by the poet's accusation, kills Ajax as the gates of war swing open once more, revealing Helen’s embrace with Troilus. Thus, the path to war is paved, despite every effort to prevent it.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Next

Characters

Loading...