THE DIFFERENTIATION OF TRAGIC HEROES:.
AN ESSAY IN COMPARISON OF HEROIC CODES.
There are many types of heroes, all of whom can be slotted neatly into categories by their respective characteristics. Typically, a tragic hero follows a code that relegates him to pursue justice, be arrogant in manner, and to conspire his plans with cleverness. The tragic hero must also posses a strong mind, a relentless nature, and a willingness to kill. However, occasionally one will come across a tragic hero who follows yet another type of code; that of Homer. By following this code, which is comprised of kleos, time, sincerity, and speaking ability, a tragic hero is able to reach his destination by walking a different path. Certainly there are areas in which the codes for heroics overlap, and characteristics for each code are modified to fit the character, but in general, most heroes act within their own spheres of influence. Clytaemestra, Orestes, and Medea prove to be solid examples of the typical tragic hero, while Alcestis is solidly an Homeric hero. By comparing and contrasting the traits of these characters, their true heroic natures will be revealed. .
The first component of the tragic heroic code is the incessant pursuit of justice because the hero wants retribution against his sworn enemy. In Agamemnon, Clytaemestra is woman engrossed with eternal suffering caused by the sacrifice of her lovely daughter, Iphigeneria, by her husband, Agamemnon. Also, the pain fixated in her mind and soul in the form of loneliness caused by the absence of a husband, which "is evil and a thing of terror when a wife sits in the house forlorn with no man by, an hears rumors that like a fever die to break again," (AG, 860-3) contribute to her feelings of necessity of killing Agamemnon. Furthermore, the influence of Aegisthus makes Clytaemestra highly susceptible to avenge the chaos plaguing the House of Atreus.
