9.4 Medea

Medea, a Greek tragedy by Euripides, explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and gender roles in ancient Greece. The play follows Medea, a powerful sorceress who seeks vengeance against her husband Jason for abandoning her to marry a princess.

Euripides' version of the myth introduced the shocking element of infanticide, transforming Medea into a complex anti-hero. The play challenges traditional notions of heroism and justice, while examining the consequences of unchecked passion and societal expectations.

Origins of Medea myth

• Greek tragedy Medea draws from ancient mythological traditions surrounding the sorceress Medea and her relationship with Jason
• Euripides' play significantly reshaped the Medea myth, influencing subsequent interpretations and adaptations in literature and art

Pre-Euripidean versions

Top images from around the web for Pre-Euripidean versions

• 

  Mythology Mondays: Medea – A Wandering Eyre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Colchis - WikiVisually View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  A Guide to Euripides’ Medea | The Getty Iris View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mythology Mondays: Medea – A Wandering Eyre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Colchis - WikiVisually View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Pre-Euripidean versions

• 

  Mythology Mondays: Medea – A Wandering Eyre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Colchis - WikiVisually View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  A Guide to Euripides’ Medea | The Getty Iris View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mythology Mondays: Medea – A Wandering Eyre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Colchis - WikiVisually View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Originated in Colchis, a kingdom on the eastern coast of the Black Sea
• Medea portrayed as a powerful sorceress and priestess of Hecate
• Assisted Jason in obtaining the Golden Fleece through her magical abilities
• Earlier versions depicted Medea as a more sympathetic character, often manipulated by gods

Euripides' innovations

• Introduced the infanticide as a central element of Medea's revenge
• Developed Medea's complex psychological motivations and internal conflicts
• Emphasized themes of betrayal, justice, and the clash between passion and reason
• Portrayed Medea as both victim and villain, challenging traditional notions of heroism

Plot summary

• Euripides' Medea unfolds in Corinth, where Medea and Jason have settled after their adventures
• The play explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked passion
• Medea's actions challenge societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding gender roles

Jason's betrayal

• Jason abandons Medea to marry Glauce, the princess of Corinth
• Creon, king of Corinth, banishes Medea and her children from the city
• Medea's sense of betrayal stems from her sacrifices for Jason (leaving her homeland, killing her brother)
• Jason justifies his actions as politically advantageous, disregarding Medea's feelings

Medea's revenge plan

• Medea feigns acceptance of her exile to buy time for her revenge
• Manipulates various characters, including Creon and Aegeus, to further her plans
• Prepares poisoned gifts (a gown and a golden coronet) for Glauce
• Decides to kill her own children as the ultimate act of revenge against Jason

Infanticide and escape

• Medea sends the poisoned gifts to Glauce, resulting in her and Creon's deaths
• Struggles with her decision to kill her children, showcasing her internal conflict
• Murders her two sons offstage, a shocking act in Greek tragedy
• Escapes in a chariot provided by her grandfather Helios, denying Jason closure
• Concludes with Medea's triumphant escape and Jason's devastation

Character analysis

• Character development in Medea reflects Euripides' innovative approach to Greek tragedy
• The complex portrayal of characters challenges traditional heroic archetypes
• Supporting characters serve to highlight different aspects of Medea and Jason's conflict

Medea as protagonist

• Portrayed as a complex, multifaceted character with both heroic and villainous traits
• Embodies the conflict between reason and passion, civilization and barbarism
• Her intelligence and magical abilities make her a formidable and unpredictable force
• Struggles with her role as a mother and her desire for revenge, creating internal conflict
• Challenges traditional gender roles through her assertiveness and refusal to accept injustice

Jason's role

• Represents the Greek ideal of masculinity and rationality, but flawed by ambition
• His betrayal of Medea serves as the catalyst for the tragic events of the play
• Attempts to justify his actions through appeals to reason and political expediency
• Undergoes a transformation from confident hero to broken man by the play's end
• His character raises questions about the nature of heroism and moral responsibility

Supporting characters

• Creon: Embodies political authority and paternal concern for his daughter Glauce
• Aegeus: Provides Medea with hope for the future and a means of escape
• Nurse: Serves as a sympathetic voice and provides exposition for the audience
• Chorus: Represents the women of Corinth, offering commentary and emotional responses
• Children: Silent characters whose presence heightens the tragedy of Medea's actions

Themes and motifs

• Euripides explores complex themes that challenge societal norms and expectations
• The play's motifs contribute to its overall tragic atmosphere and emotional impact
• Themes in Medea continue to resonate with modern audiences, addressing universal human experiences

Revenge vs justice

• Medea's actions blur the line between justified retribution and excessive vengeance
• Questions the morality of revenge and its consequences on both the avenger and society
• Explores the cyclical nature of violence and its ability to perpetuate injustice
• Contrasts Medea's passionate pursuit of revenge with Jason's rational approach to justice

Betrayal and loyalty

• Central to the conflict between Medea and Jason, driving the play's tragic events
• Examines the consequences of broken oaths and violated trust in personal relationships
• Explores the tension between loyalty to family and loyalty to the state or personal ambition
• Medea's unwavering loyalty to Jason contrasts with his betrayal, highlighting the theme

Feminism and patriarchy

• Challenges traditional gender roles and expectations in ancient Greek society
• Medea's actions and rhetoric critique the limitations placed on women in a patriarchal system
• Explores the power dynamics between men and women in marriage and society
• Raises questions about female agency, motherhood, and the consequences of oppression

Barbarian vs Greek

• Contrasts Medea's "barbarian" origins with Greek civilization and values
• Explores cultural stereotypes and prejudices against foreigners in ancient Greek society
• Questions the superiority of Greek rationality over "barbaric" passion and magic
• Medea's character challenges assumptions about the nature of civilization and barbarism

Dramatic structure

• Medea follows the traditional structure of Greek tragedy while innovating within the form
• Euripides uses the play's structure to build tension and explore complex themes
• The dramatic structure enhances the emotional impact of the play's tragic events

Prologue and parodos

• Prologue: Delivered by the Nurse, providing background information and setting the tone
• Introduces the central conflict and Medea's emotional state
• Parodos: The entrance song of the chorus, expressing sympathy for Medea's plight
• Establishes the chorus's role as commentators and representatives of Corinthian women

Episodes and stasima

• Episodes: Dialogue scenes between characters, advancing the plot and exploring themes
  • Include confrontations between Medea and Jason, Creon, and Aegeus
  • Reveal character motivations and build tension towards the climax
• Stasima: Choral odes between episodes, offering reflection and emotional commentary
  • Explore broader themes and provide context for the action
  • Often use mythological allusions to deepen the play's meaning

Exodus and deus ex machina

• Exodus: The final scene of the play, featuring Medea's triumph and Jason's despair
• Subverts audience expectations by allowing Medea to escape punishment
• Deus ex machina: Medea's escape in the chariot of the sun god Helios
  • Controversial use of the device, emphasizing Medea's divine ancestry
  • Denies closure and justice, leaving the audience to grapple with the play's moral ambiguities

Symbolism and imagery

• Euripides employs rich symbolism and vivid imagery to enhance the play's themes
• Symbolic elements contribute to the characterization and emotional impact of the tragedy
• Imagery creates a powerful atmosphere and reinforces the play's central conflicts

Fire and sun imagery

• Associated with Medea's divine lineage as granddaughter of the sun god Helios
• Represents passion, destruction, and purification throughout the play
• Medea's fiery nature contrasts with Jason's cooler, more rational demeanor
• Culminates in Medea's escape in the sun chariot, emphasizing her triumph and divine protection

Animal metaphors

• Used to characterize Medea and emphasize her "barbaric" nature
• Lion imagery highlights Medea's ferocity and danger (Nurse's description in the prologue)
• Bull imagery associated with Jason, representing strength but also stubbornness
• Snake metaphors suggest Medea's cunning and potential for betrayal

Poison and pharmaka

• Greek word "pharmaka" encompasses both healing remedies and deadly poisons
• Reflects Medea's dual nature as a healer and destroyer
• Poisoned gifts to Glauce symbolize the corrupting nature of revenge and betrayal
• Represents the power of knowledge and skill, which can be used for good or ill

Cultural context

• Understanding the cultural context of ancient Greece enhances interpretation of the play
• Euripides both reflects and challenges societal norms of his time
• The play's exploration of cultural issues contributes to its enduring relevance

Gender roles in ancient Greece

• Women in Athens had limited legal rights and were largely confined to the domestic sphere
• Medea's actions and rhetoric challenge traditional expectations of female behavior
• The play explores the consequences of women's exclusion from political and social power
• Raises questions about the nature of masculinity and femininity in Greek society

Xenia and guest-host relationship

• Xenia: Sacred obligation of hospitality between guest and host in Greek culture
• Jason's betrayal of Medea violates this principle, as she is a foreigner under his protection
• Medea's murder of her children can be seen as an extreme violation of xenia
• The play explores the tension between personal desires and social obligations

Attitudes toward foreigners

• Greeks often viewed non-Greeks as "barbarians," considered inferior and potentially dangerous
• Medea's foreign origin is frequently emphasized, contributing to her characterization
• The play challenges stereotypes about "barbarians" through Medea's intelligence and eloquence
• Explores the complex relationship between Greek identity and the "other" in ancient society

Literary techniques

• Euripides employs various literary techniques to enhance the dramatic impact of Medea
• These techniques contribute to the play's exploration of complex themes and characters
• Innovative use of traditional elements of Greek tragedy sets Medea apart from earlier works

Use of chorus

• Serves as a bridge between the audience and the action on stage
• Provides commentary on events and explores the play's themes through odes
• Represents the women of Corinth, offering a female perspective on the events
• Evolves from initial sympathy for Medea to horror at her actions, mirroring audience reactions

Rhetorical devices

• Agon: Formal debate between characters (Jason and Medea) showcasing opposing viewpoints
• Stichomythia: Rapid exchange of single lines of dialogue, building tension and conflict
• Monologues: Allow characters to reveal their inner thoughts and motivations
• Irony: Used to highlight the gap between appearance and reality, particularly in Jason's character

Irony and foreshadowing

• Dramatic irony: Audience awareness of Medea's plans creates tension and anticipation
• Verbal irony: Characters' words often contrast with their true intentions or future actions
• Situational irony: Medea's escape and triumph subvert expectations of tragic justice
• Foreshadowing: Hints of future events (Nurse's fears, Medea's cryptic statements) build suspense

Critical interpretations

• Medea has been subject to diverse interpretations throughout its reception history
• Critical approaches reflect changing social, cultural, and intellectual contexts
• Various interpretations highlight the play's complexity and enduring relevance

Feminist readings

• View Medea as a critique of patriarchal oppression and female disempowerment
• Interpret Medea's actions as a radical rejection of societal expectations for women
• Explore the play's treatment of motherhood, marriage, and female agency
• Consider the implications of Medea's triumph for understanding gender in Greek tragedy

Psychoanalytic approach

• Examines the psychological motivations and conflicts of the characters
• Interprets Medea's actions through concepts like repression, projection, and the unconscious
• Explores the play's treatment of passion, reason, and the human psyche
• Considers the role of childhood experiences and family dynamics in shaping character behavior

Postcolonial perspective

• Analyzes the play's treatment of cultural difference and power dynamics
• Examines Medea's status as a foreigner and the implications of her "barbarian" identity
• Explores themes of displacement, assimilation, and resistance to dominant cultures
• Considers the play's relevance to modern discussions of immigration and cultural identity

Performance history

• Medea's performance history spans from ancient Greece to the present day
• Productions and adaptations reflect changing theatrical traditions and cultural contexts
• The play's enduring popularity demonstrates its ability to speak to diverse audiences

Ancient productions

• First performed at the City Dionysia festival in Athens in 431 BCE
• Originally placed third in the competition, reflecting its controversial nature
• Ancient performances featured all-male casts and used masks to represent characters
• Staging conventions included the use of the skene (background building) and ekkyklema (wheeled platform)

Modern adaptations

• Numerous translations and adaptations have been produced since the Renaissance
• Notable adaptations include versions by Jean Anouilh, Robinson Jeffers, and Heiner Müller
• Opera adaptations (Luigi Cherubini, Samuel Barber) have brought the story to new audiences
• Film versions (Pier Paolo Pasolini, Lars von Trier) have reinterpreted the myth for modern viewers

Notable stage interpretations

• Maria Callas's portrayal of Medea in Pasolini's film (1969) became iconic
• Zoe Caldwell won a Tony Award for her performance in the 1982 Broadway production
• Diana Rigg's 1992-1994 performance received critical acclaim in London and New York
• More recent productions have explored diverse casting and innovative staging techniques

Legacy and influence

• Medea has had a profound and lasting impact on Western literature and culture
• The play's themes and characters continue to resonate with modern audiences
• Medea's influence extends beyond literature into various art forms and cultural discussions

Impact on Greek tragedy

• Challenged traditional notions of heroism and morality in tragic drama
• Influenced later playwrights' treatment of female characters and complex motivations
• Expanded the possibilities for exploring psychological depth in dramatic characters
• Set a new standard for the integration of spectacle and emotional intensity in tragedy

Medea in later literature

• Inspired numerous retellings and adaptations throughout literary history
• Influenced the development of the "revenge tragedy" genre in Renaissance drama
• Christa Wolf's novel "Medea: A Modern Retelling" offers a feminist reinterpretation
• Contemporary authors continue to draw inspiration from the myth (Madeline Miller's "Circe")

Modern feminist icon

• Medea has become a symbol of female empowerment and resistance to patriarchal oppression
• Her character is often invoked in discussions of women's rights and gender equality
• Feminist scholars and artists have reinterpreted Medea's actions as a critique of societal norms
• The play's exploration of motherhood and female agency remains relevant to modern debates