Written By: Christina Moss, 2003
“Medea” by Euripides is about a woman’s reaction to betrayal. In response to her husband’s unfaithfulness Medea murders his new wife, her father, and her own children. These extreme actions are uncharacteristic of a woman in ancient Greek times. Until the point when she has committed these murders Medea’s situation evokes sympathy with all the other characters, which gives a sense of justification for her actions. Even those who have wronged Medea realize what they have done and fear her reaction. I believe Euripides is stressing the importance of female equality through the male characters’ fear of Medea, the fact that she has the sympathy of men and women alike, and the representation of women in the chorus. It is made obvious that though Medea is a woman, she is not to be underestimated.
In Greek society at the time “Medea” was written women were expected to be compliant with the rules set by the men. It was not expected that a woman could be capable of such an atrocity as Medea’s. British Philanthropist Lord Astor has said “Everyone starts out totally dependent on a woman. The idea that she could turn out to be your enemy is terribly frightening,” (Ramsland). Much female oppression was probably instigated by fear. Medea’s husband’s new wife’s father Creon says to Medea “I fear you. Why wrap up the truth?” (Euripides line 282). She is induces a sense of anxiety in the men because she is an empowered woman, and their intellectual equal. Over time she has become accustomed to being treated equally. Her husband Jason says to her “…here your gifts are widely recognized, /You are famous…” (Euripides 536). This is precisely why Creon fears her. “Traditionally, it’s been more difficult for men to admit to violence in women than to dissect the methods and motives of their own gender,” (Ramsland). Though she had been Jason’s counterpart for some time, she still fell under the expectation of female obedience. The male characters admit that Medea’s feelings are justified; however they react only with fear and banishment. Medea’s vengeful attitude is startling to men because she is a woman. People tend to fear what they don’t understand and this display of a woman’s prerogative is highly unusual for the time frame in which it was written.
It is understood by all the characters that Medea has been wronged. Even Jason himself admits “…indeed I do not/blame/Your first resentment…” (Euripides 908). It would seem that even the gods sympathize with Medea. The fact that her plan to kill Creon, his daughter, and her own sons “…to break [Jason’s] heart…” (Euripides 1398) was successful is an indication that she was favored by the gods. At the end of the play it is suggested that the gods allowed these murders to happen. “…Many matters the gods bring to surprising ends…” (Euripides 1416). Jason points out that Medea is responsible for these tragic events and notes that she should anticipate some form of retribution from the gods. Medea’s retort to this is “What god will hear your imprecation? /Oath-breaker, guest-deceiver, liar?” (Euripides 1389). Her Argument is meant to show that Jason is without the sympathy of the gods.
A correlation could be made between the women in the chorus and the gods. Both groups express sympathy towards Medea, yet embody the rational principals of justice. The chorus verbalizes “Medea, poor Medea! /Your grief touches our hearts,” (Euripides 358), yet later they urge Medea “…I tell you, you must not do this!” (Euripides 811). The Greek women in the chorus seem similar to the gods in their opinions and morals, and they seem to have the ability to foresee that the gods will allow no good to come of Medea’s actions. This is another way in which Euripides renders these women as more than just subsequent beings. Although it does not concur with their better judgment, the women look as if they approve of the end result by saying “To punish Jason would be just./I do not wonder that you take such wrongs to heart,” (Euripides 264). The chorus women interpret the wills of the gods throughout the play. “The things we thought would happen do not happen; /The unexpected god makes possible…” (Euripides 1417). The fact that it is women explaining these things instead of men is significant. This is another way that Euripides displays the importance of women.
The way in way in which Medea has been endowed with male abilities, intelligence and ruthlessness shows that women should not be held in such low esteem. The men fear these qualities in her as they know that, unlike other women at that time, she is indeed their equal. Euripides sets the tone for a new realization by women, through the chorus, as they express their thoughts to other women in the audience.
Work Cited
Euripides. “Medea” Medea and other Plays. Harmondsworth, England:
Penguin Books, 1963. Translator: Vellacott, Philip.
Ramsland, Katherine. (Women Who Kill). Court TV’s Crime Library. November 17, 2003. <http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminology2/women1>
