What Is The Mood Of Iphigenia

Greek mythology is an ancient collection of myths and tales that incorporate gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures and heroes. Embedded within these fictitious narratives are morals which teach a lesson. These teachings are considered applicable in life and can be used on a daily basis. For example, the story of Iphigenia is discerned as a heroic tale in which the selflessness of a young girl is put to the test in order to pardon her father’s wrongful actions. Iphigenia’s father, Agamemnon, had angered the goddess Artemis and in order to placate her, he would have to sacrifice his own daughter. Without Iphigenia’s willing sacrifice, Artemis would make Agamemnon’s troops unable to set sail to fight Troy and defend their honor. In the painting, …show more content…
Once Iphigenia arrives at the temple where the sacrifice would commence, it is stated that she “was cut off from hope in that sad place.” Even though Iphigenia was hopeful she had made the right decision, she was still fearful of the fate that would soon become of her. Iphigenia was left inconsolable thus creating a despairing mood. She was then taken to an altar as crowds of people began to form around her. During this time, Agamemnon joined the crowd and rested his eyes upon his fearful daughter. He then “held his hand upon his face” as Iphigenia began to weep. The diction suggests that Agamemnon was too depressed and ashamed to look upon his daughter’s face. This presents a devastating mood when Agamemnon comes to the realization that his daughter was about to die and that he was partly responsible. Tennyson wrote that Iphigenia “still strove to speak” as her final moments drew near. The diction implies that Iphigenia was having a hard time attempting to speak because of her current dilemma. This creates a despondent mood as Iphigenia slowly perseveres. People at the temple and along the shore all observed in apprehension. The selflessness of Iphigenia’s action was not left unnoticed as her life came to an end. Tennyson had a somber tone throughout the poem to display that the sacrifice of an altruistic girl was distressful yet …show more content…
He was the fourth of twelve children and his father, Reverend George Tennyson, taught him to write at an early age. Tennyson instantly fell in love with writing and had a substantial talent for it. When he was 12 years old, he wrote a 6,000-line epic poem that was considered his first completed writing accomplishment. In 1827, Tennyson left home so that he could attend Trinity College, Cambridge and within the same year he published “Poems by Two Brothers.” Though the poems in his book did not have a tremendous amount of success, the book attracted the attention of an undergraduate literary club known as the “Apostles.” Tennyson became best friends with Arthur Hallam, the president of the club. Hallam’s sudden death in 1833 deeply saddened Tennyson and many of his additional poems are in honor of him. Around 1832, Tennyson published a volume entitled “Poems.” Critics gave the volume substandard reviews and called him obscure. Hurt by this, Tennyson did not publish another book for nine years. He then became engaged to Emily Sellwood in 1836. After an unfortunate event when Tennyson lost his inheritance, Sellwood’s family called off the engagement. However, around 1850 Tennyson had published the book “In Memoriam” and soon became one of Britain’s most popular poets. Later that year, he married Emily Sellwood and they had two children named Hallam and Lionel. During the Victorian era, he was

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