Euripedes Medea

A detailed Summary of Euripedes Medea

The term "barbarian" is Greek in origin. The Greeks used it for any races that were not of a Greek origin, especially those that were very different from themselves. Because most of these "barbarians" regularly assaulted Greek cities, the term gradually evolved into a rude insult, a person who was a sub-human, uncivilized, and regularly practiced the most vile and inhuman acts imaginable. It is obvious that a barbarian was not considered as a member of society as well as a woman in Ancient Greece. In many Greek tragedies women either play a secondary role or are not represented at all. It is unusual to read a tragedy where woman is a main character and not only that, a barbarian.

Euripides' Medea was written during the Peloponesian War. War, regardless of when it occurs, not only destroys and kills but also causes a reflection on the values in a society. Literature in ancient Greece was a main reflection of what the society thought and what values and rules it held dear, such as bravery, loyalty, ownership of property, and love for family as is shown in the Odyssey. Obviously, the Peloponesian War brought a much stress and chaos on the Greek society of this period, so during this time Euripedes was different in his subject matter

ed. Maynard Macket al. 7th ed. Vol.1. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1992. 2 Vols. 739-772.

Their fear is based not only on the fact that she has a great passion and is able to do something terrible, but also on the fact that people realize something. A "barbarian" can think, has emotions and feelings and, moreover, can exercise power over them. Another factor that scares people is her being a woman. In Ancient Greece women did not have political power. Their voices were never been heard, unless through a man. Medea's voice is not only can be heard, but is also quite manipulative. She is able to use any persuasive language that appeals to the emotions of the people. Medea provokes a passion in them in response to her own. The king himself notes, "You are a clever woman, versed in evil arts, and are angry at having lost your husband's love" (lines 283-284). Medea is smart, she is greatly aware of being a "barbarian" and the Corinthians seem to echo that awareness. She understands why she is not welcomed in the society, and realizes that she has to leave, but her emotional pain makes her to do unthinkable.

Euripedes. Medea. Trans. Rex Warner. The Norton Anthology World Masterpieces. Gen.

In Ancient Greece all the laws were written for men, who had the political power. Jason is a perfect example of a typical make in this society. He even boldly declares that women are unnecessary creatures. They are needed only for producing children when he says, "It would be better far for men to have got their children in some other way, and women not to have existed. Then life would have been good ." Medea wanted

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Approximate Word count = 1091
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History