Euripides Medea And The Bacchae

Euripides was a man who had become known for his plays over the years and became a well-noted playwright. Writing tragedies that portrayed the realistic problems of his modern life, he was the last of the classical Athen's three tragic dramatists. He was in great company alongside the elder Sophocles and the eldest Aeschylus. Some of Euripides' most recognized plays are Medea and The Bacchae. Euripides’ classics cemented his notoriety for his clever dialogue and stage exhibition.

The life of Euripides is still heavily debated on, however, varying renditions of his life have been recorded. He was born around 485 BC in Athens, Greece. In some versions of history, his mother, Cleito, sold herbs in the local market while others describe him as

being born into a well-off family. The first time Euripides had been chosen to compete in a dramatic festival was in 455 B.C. but his first victory was not until 441 B.C.. Euripides was thought of as one of the more important poets because he portrayed the darkest side of humanity. Most of his characters, unlike Sophocles and Aeschylus, were common place men and woman that often reflected on the doubts and troubles of his time. They had flaws just like everyone else and were not larger than life characters. Their fates were also their own doing instead of dying in battle. Euripides portrayed the characters flaws by creating immoral characters.
Of all the 90 plays Euripides wrote, only 18 tragic plays and one satyric play were able to be recovered. The characters in Euripides’ plays were down to earth men and women. All characters in Euripides’ tragedies were played by men. Euripides’ work is also known for being one of the first tragedies to portray a strong female character with a complex personality. His innovations have influenced drama and contributed to making it how it is today.
Euripides left Athens in 408 B.C., when the Macedonian King invited him to live and write in Macedonia. Once he came to Macedonia, he never returned to Athens. His plays were known for posing awkward questions, unsettling his audience and creating more suspense within the story by including immoral characters. Most modern plays are created with Euripides’ literature and writing style. Euripides contributed many new, familiar aspects of playwrights in modern times. One of the new aspects that Euripides helped show is women being portrayed as intelligent and strong but also flawed. If Euripides had not created his plays in this style, then women may have not been recognized for their intellect and strength.
Euripides questioned everyday life. As a realistic person he placed modern ideas and opinions in traditional characters. Euripides wrote about love, vengeance, and religion. He questioned values, he also investigated philosophical and political issues of his daily life. Euripides cherished Athens and sympathized with the afflicted part of humanity. Some of Euripides’ political plays include, “Heracleidae and The Suppliants”.