Sophocles’ Ajax
Introduction
Sophocles’ Ajax begins after a disastrous night. Ajax, one of the strongest Greek warriors fighting at Troy, believes he has been dishonored. The armor of the dead Achilles has been awarded to Odysseus instead of him. In anger, Ajax has attempted to kill the Greek leaders, but the goddess Athena has confused his mind. He attacks livestock, believing they are his enemies. When he learns what he has done, he faces public humiliation.
The play asks what honor means, how people respond to shame, and whether enemies still deserve justice. It is also unusual because Ajax dies before the play ends. The final scenes concern the living and their responsibility toward the dead.
Before You Read: What You Need to Know
The Greeks have been fighting the Trojans for years. Achilles, their greatest warrior, has died. His valuable armor is awarded to Odysseus, whose intelligence and service are recognized, rather than Ajax, who expects recognition for his strength and courage. Ajax takes the decision as a devastating insult.
For Ajax, honor is not simply a feeling of self-worth. It is tied to how other warriors see and reward him. Keep this distinction in mind: understanding Ajax’s values does not mean approving his attempt to murder other Greeks.
The Story in Five Stages
1. Athena and Odysseus. Odysseus searches for the person who slaughtered the Greek army’s animals. Athena reveals Ajax’s actions and the delusion she caused. When she displays the humiliated Ajax, Odysseus responds with pity rather than delight.
2. Ajax faces disgrace. Ajax recovers his senses. He realizes that he attacked animals rather than his enemies. Tecmessa, who depends on him, begs him to consider her and their young son. The Chorus, made up of sailors loyal to Ajax, fears for him.
3. An apparent change of mind. Ajax delivers a speech that seems to promise a new willingness to accept change and yield to others. The speech is difficult to interpret: is he sincere, misleading his listeners, or expressing a mixture of thoughts? Soon afterward, he dies by his own sword.
4. The struggle over burial. Ajax’s half-brother Teucer wants to bury him. Menelaus and Agamemnon object, arguing that Ajax threatened the army and defied its leaders.
5. Odysseus intervenes. Although Ajax was his enemy, Odysseus argues that Ajax’s greatness and the demands of justice must be recognized. The play ends with preparations for burial, not with Ajax’s death.
Meet the Characters
Ajax — A powerful Greek warrior whose sense of honor cannot easily accommodate defeat or humiliation.
Odysseus — Ajax’s rival, known for intelligence and resourcefulness; he shows compassion at the beginning and argues for burial at the end.
Athena — The goddess who causes Ajax’s mistaken perception and reveals the limits of human power.
Tecmessa — Ajax’s partner, who reminds him that his decisions affect the people who depend on him.
Teucer — Ajax’s half-brother, who defends his right to burial.
Menelaus and Agamemnon — Greek commanders who argue that Ajax’s hostility and disobedience must have consequences.
The Chorus — Sailors loyal to Ajax, expressing fear, grief, and concern for their community.
Four Big Ideas to Watch
Honor and Shame
Ajax believes that losing public recognition destroys his standing. Ask whether he has other possible ways to understand himself.
Power and Vulnerability
Athena can change what Ajax sees. Odysseus understands that anyone’s fortunes can change. How does this awareness affect his behavior?
Loyalty and Responsibility
Tecmessa asks Ajax to think about his family. Can a person’s duties to others conflict with a personal code of honor?
Justice Toward Enemies
The burial dispute asks whether someone who has done wrong may still deserve respect. Does fairness require us to consider the merits of people we dislike?
A Play with Two Centers
Many tragedies end soon after the central character dies. Ajax does not. Its first part focuses on Ajax’s disgrace and choices; its later part focuses on how others judge him. This shift matters. Sophocles asks the audience not only to consider why Ajax dies, but also to decide what the survivors should do.
As you read, compare Odysseus in the opening scene with Odysseus near the end. His response to a rival connects the two halves of the play.
Read Closely: The Speech of Apparent Change
When Ajax seems to accept the need to yield and change, the people around him feel relief. Readers, however, may hear hints that he is preparing for death. This is often called the deception speech, but its meaning remains debated.
Read it twice. First, underline words that sound hopeful. Then circle words that might carry another meaning. What does Ajax know that his listeners do not? How does the scene make the audience feel uncertain?
Questions for Discussion
- Why does Odysseus pity Ajax even though Ajax intended to harm him?
- What does the award of Achilles’ armor mean to Ajax?
- How does Tecmessa challenge Ajax’s way of thinking?
- What is the Chorus afraid will happen?
- What makes Ajax’s apparent change of mind difficult to interpret?
- Why does Sophocles continue the play after Ajax dies?
- What arguments do the commanders make against burial?
- Why does Odysseus support the burial of a rival?
- Which character’s idea of honor changes most during the play? Defend your answer.
Try It: Evidence and Interpretation
Choose one statement:
- “Ajax is admirable.”
- “Ajax is responsible for his downfall.”
- “Odysseus offers the play’s strongest example of honor.”
Write a paragraph explaining whether you agree, disagree, or partly agree. Use two moments from the play as evidence.
Then write a second, shorter paragraph presenting the strongest objection to your own interpretation.
A Note on Reading the Play Today
Ajax’s death is part of a tragedy, not a model for responding to humiliation. The play gives us reasons to question his choices, especially through Tecmessa’s appeal and the suffering of those left behind. Discuss the scene in terms of character, dramatic structure, and the competing values Sophocles presents.
Translations differ in wording and line numbering. Use the edition assigned by your teacher when quoting or citing the play.
Note to the Educator
This guide introduces the central conflicts without settling every interpretive question. Encourage students to distinguish a character’s beliefs from the play’s larger perspective and to support competing readings with evidence.
A printable PDF version of this resource is available by email.
