Anger and Hatred

The action of the play is driven by Ajax's vengeful anger as he turns on Odysseus, Menelaus, and Agamemnon after Odysseus is voted Achilles's armor. The hatred once meant for his enemies is now directed on these three warriors, and Ajax sets out to murder them in their sleep. The interference of Athena spares their lives, but his intended victims learn of how near they came to death and turn their fury on Ajax.

After Ajax's suicide, Menelaus and Agamemnon are so filled with hate that they would willingly offend the gods and leave Ajax's body to rot in the open. Only Odysseus's levelheaded calm prevents anger from ruining more lives.

Choice and Fate

Ajax believes that he is in control of his destiny. He thinks that his strength and reputation as a warrior should govern his fate, but he is really a pawn in the...