Summary Hermione, left alone, expresses her hatred for Pyrrhus, whose very apology was indifferent and cold, and then her horror at the thought that she may at any moment be responsible for his death. Cleone arrives to tell her that the procession to the temple is taking place. Andromache, neither […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act V: Scenes 1-2Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scenes 5-6
Summary Pyrrhus arrives to make what apology he can to the princess he is abandoning. Despite the fact that their fathers arranged their marriage without love on either side, he says, he had every intention of keeping his promise to wed her. But his love of Andromache has proved too […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scenes 5-6Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scenes 2-4
Summary Hermione’s silence has alarmed her confidante Cleone, who fears the passions it conceals. Upon hearing the news of Pyrrhus’ change of heart, Hermione has asked for Orestes, and now he appears. She demands to know if he loves her; if so, she will leave Epirus with him, but on […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scenes 2-4Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 1
Summary Andromache has promised to marry Pyrrhus, and Cephise is ecstatic to think that her mistress will soon be restored to her former glory. Pyrrhus will give her anything she asks; he has even ordered his own royal guard to protect Astyanax while he himself goes undefended. When Andromache says […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 8
Summary Cephise begs Andromache to accept Pyrrhus’ offer, which will protect Astyanax and restore her to noble rank; even Hector would approve such a marriage. But Andromache is still haunted by the memory of Pyrrhus as she first saw him, covered with the blood of her family and her people, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 8Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 5-7
Summary Cephise recommends that Andromache accept Hermione’s ironic advice, and, in fact, Pyrrhus appears with Phoenix, ostensibly on his way to see Hermione. He lingers long enough, however, for Andromache to overcome her reluctance, appeal to him for mercy, and apologize for her former pride. Except for him, she says […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 5-7Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 3-4
Summary Cleone is made suspicious by this unusual restraint and warns Hermione that Orestes may be dangerous. Indeed, she is sorry for him, since it was apparently because Orestes arrived that Pyrrhus made up his mind to marry Hermione. Hermione denies it; if Pyrrhus marries her, it is because he […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 3-4Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 1-2
Summary Pylades is trying to calm an enraged Orestes, who has decided to carry off Hermione. Orestes also hates Pyrrhus, who, he says, had no interest in Hermione until Orestes declared his love for her. Hermione was about to accept him and showed her wrath against Pyrrhus. Pylades says he […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 1-2Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 5
Summary Phoenix is proud that Pyrrhus has put his duty before his love, but Pyrrhus’ mind still runs on his last interview with Andromache, at which she could talk of nothing but her son and her dead Hector. No doubt she still thinks Pyrrhus will return to her, but he […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 5Summary and Analysis Act II: Scenes 2-4
Summary In answer to Hermione’s question as to whether it is love or duty which has brought him to see her, Orestes declares that despite all his efforts to forget her and find death amid cruel barbarians, he has survived and come once again to hear her, more cruel than […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scenes 2-4