Andromache's Dilemma: A Mother's Love vs. Loyalty to a Deceased Husband
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Andromache, Jean Racine, mother's love, loyalty, dilemma, Pyrrhus, Astyanax, Hector
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Abstract
In this poignant scene from Jean Racine's Andromache, the titular character is faced with a heart-wrenching dilemma: should she marry King Pyrrhus to save her son Astyanax from certain death, or remain faithful to the memories of her husband Hector and risk losing her child. This analysis explores the inner crisis that Andromache is going through and argues that her decision to marry Pyrrhus is the only reasonable choice she has to ensure her child's survival.
Extract
[...] In fact, Andromache has no other reasonable choice to stay alive with her son. Pyrrhus' proposal is the only one that will protect her from the wrath of the Greeks since she will access the status of queen. Moreover, her confidante Cephise tries to reason Andromache and make her aware of the consequences of her choice, if she refuses Pyrrhus' offer to preserve her honor. Astyanax is in danger of death and it seems to me that the life of her child should take precedence over the dishonor of marrying King Pyrrhus. [...]
[...] Pyrrhus, who is in love with his captive, hesitates to hand her over to the Greeks with her son because Andromache has refused his advances. So he subjects her to a vile blackmail, that of handing over her son to the Greeks if she refuses to marry him. In this dialogue scene with her confidante Cephise, Andromache remains faithful to the memories of her husband Hector, while Cephise pushes her to accept the marriage with Pyrrhus. It is a cruel inner struggle between a mother's love for her child and loyalty to a deceased husband. [...]
[...] I agree with her because a mother's love makes one stronger and allows one to overcome pain. Loving parents cannot resolve themselves to the death of their child and it is in the order of things to protect him, whatever the price. Andromache must also consider that her son is the living image of her husband, who remains present in her heart and memory. I therefore join Cephise's position and her arguments that try to convince Andromache to save her son by accepting to marry Pyrrhus. [...]
