Sophocles, Ajax (Aias)
Background
The Ajax is part of the Trojan Cycle: it takes place in the Greek camp, outside the tent of Ajax [the scene change to a deserted beach is one of the play's unusual features]. After the death of Achilles (and of Hector), the armor of Achilles, made by Hephaestus, has been awarded not to Ajax (the biggest, bravest, most beautiful warrior after Achilles himself), but to Odysseus, the cleverest. Ajax goes mad, rages against the Greeks and attempts to kill all the leaders, but is stayed by Athena who turns his hand against the cattle: the play opens after he has slain some and captured others of the cattle.
Outline the Ajax
Things to notice as you are outlining the play:
-unity: is the play unified? Are you bothered by the death of the hero so early in the play and his absence from the last third of the drama? Is there some other principle of unity than unity of character on stage?
-armor: pay attention to the pieces of armor mentioned, those Ajax has, those he fails to get. Notice the final disposition of various pieces of his own armor, and the source of his weapons. What does this armor mean to Odysseus?
-time: pay close attention to references to time and change (both direct and indirect). Read and reread Ajax' "long immeasurable time" speech (lines 646-692) and see how it affects everything else in the play.
Questions and Projects:
-What is Odysseus' part in this play? How does his assessment of the human condition (lines 124-6) apply to the tragedy of Ajax? Why is he not allowed to help with the burial of Ajax? What does his presence at the beginning and end of the play add?
-Does Ajax deserve the arms of Achilles? Is this a proper question? The awarding of the arms took place before the play began. What do the arms mean to Odysseus?
-How is the contradiction inherent in the heroic ideal (of success in helping one's friends and hurting one's enemies) presented in the Ajax and especially in the character of Ajax? Notice especially his relation to others.
-Does Ajax undergo a conversion? Does he ever grasp the essence of sophrosune (moderation, self-knowledge, understanding and acceptance of one's place in the scheme of things)?
-Watch for instances of deceived expectations (from the audience's point of view): e.g. Ajax goes into his tent, presumably to kill himself, but comes out again. Messenger enters: do we not expect this messenger to announce that Ajax is dead?
-Why does Sophocles go to so much trouble for the suicide scene? For example, the chorus has to be absent.
-Explain the prediction that Ajax could be saved if he could be kept in his tent for one day.
-Does the play depict a change in society and the value of heroism?
-Are there parallels between Ajax and Homer's Achilles?