Introduction
Greek tragedy is commonly characterized by the use of tragic themes, such as love, revenge, and the struggle for power. These plays are performed in open-air theaters, and they are usually based on myths and legends. Euripides' "Medea" is a classic Greek tragedy that embodies many of the key features of the genre. These features include the use of a chorus, the portrayal of a tragic hero, the exploration of universal human themes such as love, revenge, and betrayal, and the presence of a cathartic effect on the audience. Additionally, "Medea" includes elements of fate, divine intervention, and the consequences of excessive pride, which are common themes in Greek tragedy. Overall, "Medea" exemplifies the quintessential elements of Greek tragedy and remains a timeless work of literature.
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| Euripides |
As we reflect on our studies of ancient Greek tragedy, we are struck by the overwhelming sense of a divine power that controls and often destroys human life. The works of Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus all emphasize the inscrutable power of Fate or Destiny, which can bring about havoc and ruin to human life. It is a philosophy that highlights the puny insignificance of men in the face of a colossal divine power. One of the most vivid examples of this worldview can be found in Sophocles' "Oedipus Tyrannous". The tragic hero commits a sin in ignorance, and the impression of an overwhelming sinister destiny that rules and destroys his life is paramount. Similarly, in works such as Sophocles' "Antigone" and Aeschylus' "Agamemnon", we see the utter helplessness of human beings in their struggle against such a malevolent and uncontrollable divine power. Though written thousands of years ago, they continue to speak to our deepest fears and concerns as human beings. The idea that we are ultimately at the mercy of forces beyond our control is a humbling one, and it reminds us of the importance of humility and perspective in our lives.
Firstly, in search of Greek elements in "Medea", the first defining category is the tragic hero or heroine. In "Medea", the tragic hero is the protagonist, Medea. She is a powerful sorceress who is betrayed by her husband, Jason. Medea's fatal flaw is her obsessive love for Jason, which leads her to commit heinous acts of revenge against him and his new wife. Her actions ultimately lead to her downfall, as she loses everything, including her children.
In general opinion, the story of "Medea" is a haunting tale of a woman's justified revenge. Jason, who is far from a heroic character in the play, brings Medea, a princess, back to Greece with him after triumphantly obtaining the Golden Fleece. Despite not being legally married to Jason, Medea and he live together in Corinth and raise their children for many years. If fact that decision itself a traumatic and tumultuous for Medea.
However, Jason's decision to marry a Corinthian princess is nothing short of treacherous, as he claims it will provide security for himself, Medea, and their children. This abandonment and betrayal is what fuels Medea's anger and desire for revenge. And can we really blame her? After all, she gave up everything for Jason and he repays her with such callousness.
Medea's cunning and rage are palpable as she ingeniously plots and executes the murder of the princess with a poisoned robe. However, her ultimate act of revenge - the killing of her own children - is a gruesome and difficult decision she had to make. It was her way of ensuring that Jason would never have any heirs or any chance of happiness. Thus Medea says,
"I’ve made up my mind, my friends.
I’ll do it—kill my children now, without delay,
and flee this land. I must not hesitate.
That would hand them over to someone else
to be slaughtered by a hand less loving.
No matter what, the children have to die."(1457-1461)
The fact that Medea is able to escape punishment and torture at the end, thanks to her grandfather Helios's winged chariot, is a triumphant moment in the story. It is a fitting end to the torment she endured at the hands of Jason and a vindication of her decision to take matters into her own hands.
Again the story of Medea is not just a tale of revenge, but a story of a woman who was pushed to her limits and had to take matters into her own hands. While her actions may be viewed as extreme, it is understandable given the circumstances. Jason's treachery and betrayal were unforgivable and Medea's desire for justice is one that we can empathize with.
Ancient Greek dramatists had differing views on what caused tragic events, often explore themes of fate and free will. Aeschylus believed it was punishment from the gods for sin, whereas Sophocles attributed it to the clash of human pride and stubbornness with misfortune, which the gods allowed but didn't order. For Euripides, the cause was often human nature itself - ignorance, foolishness, uncontrolled emotions, greed, ambition, and cruelty.
Interestingly, the traditional gods and goddesses are present in Euripides' plays, although they don't necessarily cause the disaster nor prevent it. This may be because they serve as symbols for natural forces like emotions and passions, which are likely to bring misery. Alternatively, Euripides may have used them ironically or satirically. Regardless, it's clear that he believed in human responsibility for tragedy.
In Medea, the chorus emphasizes the power of fate, saying,
"I’ll tell you: suppose those parents
have found a satisfactory way of life
and seen their children grow
into strong, young, virtuous men,
if Fate so wills it, Death arrives,
and carries the children’s bodies
away to Hades. What profit, then,
is there for us and our love of sons,
if the gods inflict on mortal men,
in addition to their other troubles,
this most painful further sorrow.. "(1307-1317)
This suggests that Medea's fate is predetermined, and she cannot escape it. However, Medea also has free will, and she chooses to take revenge on Jason. This conflict between fate and free will is a common theme in Greek tragedy.
Greek tragedy often includes a chorus. The chorus in "Medea" serves as a group of onlookers who comment on the action of the play. They offer insights into the characters' motivations and feelings and provide a moral perspective on the events unfolding on stage. For example, when Medea is about to murder her children, the chorus begs her not to, saying,
"Where will your hands and heart
find the strength, the courage
to dare this dreadful action?
How will you look at them,
your children, and not weep
for their murderous fate?
When they kneel before you,
and implore your mercy,
you’ll find it impossible
to steel your heart,
then soak your hands
in your own children’s blood.. "(1006-1017)
The chorus serves as a voice of reason and morality in the play. Sometimes their commentry serve as critique:
"This is the day, it seems,
the god tightens troubles around Jason,
and justly so. O poor Creon’s daughter,
how we pity your misfortune. You’re gone,
down into Hades’ home—the price you pay
for marrying Jason. "(1450-1455)
Greek tragedy often includes moments of recognition or anagnorisis. Anagnorisis is a moment of realization or self-discovery for the tragic hero. In "Medea", Medea has a moment of recognition when she realizes the full extent of her actions and the consequences they will have. She says,
"My own hands will bury them.
I’ll take them to Hera’s sacred lands
in Acraia, so no enemy of mine
will commit sacrilege against them
by tearing up their graves. And in this place,
this land of Sisyphus, I’ll initiate
a solemn celebration, with mystic rites,
future atonement for this profane murder." (1651-1659)
This moment of realization is a common feature of Greek tragedy and adds depth to the tragic hero's character.Conclusion
"Medea" contains many of the features that are typical of Greek tragedy. These include the use of a tragic hero, the exploration of themes of fate and free will, the inclusion of a chorus, and moments of recognition or anagnorisis. The play's enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Greek tragedy and its ability to offer insights into the human condition.
Reference
1. Euripides, Medea (English Text). (n.d.). Euripides, Medea (English Text). https://johnstoniatexts.x10host.com/euripides/medeahtml.html
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