Strategic Use of Dialogue in Euripides' Medea

Strategic Use of Dialogue in Euripides' Medea

Euripides employs the technique of dialogue between two solo actors on stage throughout Medea to dramatize the core values underlying these conversations. In particular, through the conversations that Medea holds with three different males, she shows herself to be a person of great intellect. Females were rarely valued for their intelligence because the Athenians had a "complacent pride in the superiority of the Greek masculinity" (page 641 ). Men and women were considered to have very different roles in society with men being the far superior species. Thus, Euripides uses Medea's [Note the specific claim/thesis conversations with Kreon, Aigeus, and Jason to showcase her intelligence and overcome that ends intro (underlined) the common misconceptions held by the Greeks concerning male superiority.

The dialogue between Medea and Kreon (In 269-353), the King of Corinth, marks the first time that Medea interacts alone onstage with a male figure. In her monologue just previous to this conversation, Medea laments the plight of woman for the lack of control they have over their lives. Now Medea is face to face with Kreon, and the words that Kreon speaks to Medea further increase her dilemma. Kreon tells Medea that she along with her children has been banished from Corinth and must leave immediately.

Medea's first response to Kreon reflects her inner turmoil. She is "utterly lost" and she has no close family or friends upon whom she can rely. However, Medea quickly chooses : .not to wallow in self-pity. Instead, she boldly asks Kreon what grounds he has to banish her. From this moment, Medea is careful to assess the reasons for which Kreon is fearful of her pres...

... middle of paper ...

...s for revenge. Similar to the conversation Medea had with Kreon, she takes on the role of a weak woman, but then uses this appearance to manipulate the sympathies of Jason. Euripides shows that when women are not treated as equals or held with esteem, they have the ability to manipulate the men who hold them in this debased position.

Through the use of dialogue between solo actors on stage, Euripides heightens the

drama for the audience, then persuades the audience to view men and women equally. In fact, he forces the audience to this view by placing Medea alone on stage with these men. [Note how conclusion does . Throughout the play, the audience sees Medea standing side by side with Kreon, Aigeus, more than summarize the essay and Jason. This is a visual picture that defies the Greek stereotype, and exemplifies the equality between men and women.