First impressions of Clytemnestra in Euripides' Electra The play begins with the sad-eyed guardian, scared to death ("old companion, terror" 17) of the Queen (" that woman - she maneuvers like a man" 13) and her tyrannical government. He says he cries "for the difficult times" he endures. We are very sure from what he says that the House of Atreus is in cruel hands and he is clamoring for the return of his "loving" King. Clytemnestra is never mentioned by name, as the sentry fears punishment for saying too much ( "I never say a word"). Her influence is everywhere, even if she herself is not present. The Chorus sings as Clytemnestra moves about the stage, lighting fires and unmoved by her requests for new things. Their song tells the story of the problems of the Greek expedition leaving for Troy. It would seem that while they elevate Agamemnon's name ("with the power of Zeus" 47) they also describe Iphigenia's death with great pity ("sweet, curved lips... her gaze... wounds every murderer"). They describe his pain (“pain both ways” 212) over both courses of action, whether to obey the oracle or save his daughter. But undeniably, the Chorus does not approve of what she has done ("cause of all our pain" 222) and recounts with great pain a flashback of Iphigenia singing at parties to Zeus ("transfixed with joy" 246). It is with this in mind that we finally speak to Clytemnestra, the mother of the massacred child. The Chorus is reverential indeed ("we respect your power" 259) but is it their power or the power they hold? They seem to be respectful towards Agamemnon's wife, not towards Clytemnestra ("the warlord's woman" 260). As the leader and Clytemnestra exchange information about the fall of Troy, we see that she is very quick to become angry at his words (“It sends you into ecstasy” “No one takes me with visions” 274-5). Whether the chorus is rude or simply out to offend hangs in the balance. After all, the Chorus does not think highly of its lighthouses ("only as real as a dream" 481). I would say, however, that it is Clytemnestra who looks for some sign of disloyalty in them, even if there is little to see ("we are loyal... never blame your silence" 263). Her account of the lighthouse that brought her the news of the fall of Troy is told in an arrogant and ostentatious manner ("my commands.