annotation
Annotation of Politics of Consumption and Generosity In The Carpet Scene of the Agamemnon, John Michael Karass, Sept. 10, 2002
In a well-constructed analysis that challenges the conventional views of the "Carpet Scene," author Gregory Crane leads his audience through a methodical examination of a scene with symbolic implications that extend far beyond the play. Accurately identifying the scene as "intensely political,"[1] the author builds his analysis of AgamemnonÕs action based on the assumption that previous analyses have failed to identify correctly the Athenian mistrust of wealth and the complex role wealth plays in Athenian politics. Utilizing the point-counterpoint method at the beginning of his analysis and a brief sampling of the cultural history of the carpet, Crane successfully refutes views contrary to his own and demonstrates to the reader the plausibility of his beliefs.
For his point of entry into his analysis, Crane chooses to look specifically at the material worth of the carpet and how its monetary value symbolically affected Athenian society. The cultural information included by the author enhances the audienceÕs understanding of carpetÕs incredible monetary and social worth. Crane makes a point of explaining to readers that the rug is "expensive not simply because it is embroidered, but becauseÉthe dye porphyra was extremely expensive, and purple cloth signified great wealth."[2] The authorÕs antidote impresses upon the audience the fact that those who possessed carpet in ancient Athens were elite. After analyzing the relationship between the purple carpet and AthensÕ elite, Crane proposes that AgamemnonÕs carpet is actually a symbol for wealth and prestige.
Yet, in order to grasp the relevance of the symbol when applied to the political life in Athens, the author returns to the social history of Athens. At the time, Aeschylus wrote the play, Crane believes the middle and lower class Athenians were suspicious "of material symbols of wealth and prestige." [3] According to the author, the Carpet Scene documents the distrust when Agamemon hesitates stepping on the carpet after KlytmnestraÕs repeated urgings. Instead of using his wealth (i.e. stepping on the carpet) for a good purpose such as hospitality, Agamemnon "destroys the expensive cloth for no useful purpose."[4] Ultimately, AgaememnonÕs hesitation to walk on the carpet symbolizes the great distrust AthenianÕs held toward material goods and their use in non-purposeful ways.
Sensing a general mistrust emanating from the population, the wealthy elite curbed the growing suspicion by using their resources philanthropically. Immediately, the generosity of the elite enabled Athenian political life to stabilize. Crane views the contributions, "the fitting out of a trireme or the productions of tragedies," [5] of the wealthy as the factor that sustained political life in Athens. The wealthy also realized the power of monetary resources, and utilized their philanthropic ventures to stall any movement within the social ranks. The Carpet Scene, the carpet, Clytemnestra urging, and AgamemnonÕs hesitation according to the author serve as commentary on the current political life in Athens, the necessity of the philanthropy, and the apparent anti-elitist views held by all classes.
Crane provides a firm analysis that is clear and easy to navigate. Even if the views his examination espouses ring false, the authorÕs claims draw support from the smattering of Athenian history he provides and evidence from the text. Compared to the traditional ideas produced by previous analyses, the authorÕs ideas draw attention to a significant historical aspect of Athenian politics. In short, Crane points to Carpet Scene as a "brilliant, but partial, vision of what Athens could be." [6]
1 Crane 118 [back to text]
2 Crane 131 [back to text]
3 Crane 135 [back to text]
4 Crane 134 [back to text]
5 Crane 135 [back to text]
6 Crane 136 [back to text]
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