The Tragic Hero In Medea By Euripides

Throughout the history of ancient civilization, there is almost always a higher value placed on the male figures in a society. Even today, it appears to be a societal premise to accept that women are view as the child-bearers and caretakers of the house, with an education or pay check always inferior to that of a man’s. In the play Medea, Euripides creates a faint boundary between the nobleness of character and hubris. He has Medea’s character be the spotlight of it all. From the beginning, Euripides allows Medea’s anger and emotions to set the tone for the rest of the play. This is among one of the first plays to showcase a women’s worthiness and influence among a society. Medea is tormented by heartbreak caused by Jason, and instead of taking no action she successfully seeks revenge. Although to most Medea’s character can be seen as a tragic hero, spurred by her irrationality, do her actions showcase her greatness as a hero for defining the potential power

Jason was expecting her to continue fulfilling her role as a woman, and Medea got so upset that she wanted to be the exact opposite of all that Jason wished for. The idea of a “powerful woman” is progressive in this time, and dissed by tradition. Jason is a good example of a traditional figure, just wanting a good heir to his kingdom. Medea, although portrayed by Euripides as thinking without a brain, could possibly be viewed as a hero. Maybe we only view her as a tragedy because she defies every premise that is set forward for women: have a healthy husband, a healthy bank account, and healthy children. Maybe Medea does not want these things and only wanted to prove her strength. It took a lot of strength to kill her children. It also shows women’s short temperament, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be dependent on men, as this play shows the non-loyalty of men. In a way, Euripides levels out the desires of man and woman, as he makes both of their wishes