Trojan War and Hecuba

Hecuba
The play Hecuba is a classic Greek tragedy. Hecuba is a queen, during the Trojan War, because she was married to King Priam of Troy. The play begins with the ghost of Hecuba’s son, Polydorus, telling the audience about how the Trojan War was weakening the city of Troy. Hecuba enters the stage telling her Trojan Chorus that she has had a dream with the ghost of Polydorus in it. Two soldiers appear, that morning, requesting for Polyxena. Polyxena is the last daughter of Hecuba. Polyxena was taking away to be sacrificed to the spirit of Achilles, a great Trojan soldiers. After the horrific deed was done Hecuba sent the Trojan Chorus out to get some water to bathe Polyxena in for her last bath. When they return not only do they bring water, but they also bring the body of Hecuba’s son Polydorus. When Hecuba saw this she knew that her friend Polymestor had betrayed their family and killed Polydorus for his gold. Hecuba was really upset because she sent Polydorus oft to an isolated island to survive the war and continue the family name. Hecuba wanted to bring Polymestor to her so she can seek revenge. When Polymestor arrived, with his two sons, he was acting in a very friendly manner. He wasn’t aware that Hecuba knows he murdered her son for his gold. Trying to lure Polymestor into a tent Hecuba told Polydorus that she had some more jewels she wanted him to keep. While they were in the tent Hecuba and the Trojan Chorus murdered Polymestor’s two sons and blinded his eyes. Agammenon appeared to the sound of the horrific screams from Polymestor. Polymestor told Agammenon that he did deceive Hecuba and killed her son. Agammenon decided that what Hecuba did was right. Agammenon and his men were going to send Polymestor to an isolated island. As they were escorting him out he yelled out many prophecies about Hecuba, which all soon came true later