Untitled Flashcards Set

I. Overview of Greek Tragedy & Euripides’ Style

• Greek tragedy explores fate, the gods, and human suffering.

• Euripides is known for his psychological depth and focus on marginalized characters, particularly women.

• Medea is unique for its portrayal of a powerful, intelligent, and vengeful woman.

II. Plot Summary of Medea

• Medea, a sorceress and wife of Jason, is betrayed when he marries another woman, Glauce.

• Medea’s rage leads her to kill Glauce, King Creon (Glauce’s father), and her own children.

• She escapes in a chariot provided by the sun god Helios, her divine ancestor.

III. Key Themes & Topics

1. The Role of Women’s Intelligence and Power

• Medea is intelligent, articulate, and capable of manipulation (e.g., persuading Creon to give her one more day).

• She uses her cunning to exact revenge, defying the expectations of submissive Greek women.

• Her power challenges the male-dominated world but also leads to destruction.

2. Witchcraft and the Fear of Women’s Power

• Medea’s identity as a foreign sorceress adds to her otherness and fear factor.

• Greek society often associated magic with women, seeing it as unnatural or dangerous.

• Her knowledge of poisons (used to kill Glauce) reinforces her status as a feared figure.

3. Loyalty and Betrayal

• Medea’s extreme devotion to Jason (helping him obtain the Golden Fleece) contrasts with his betrayal.

• Jason justifies his actions as pragmatic, prioritizing social advancement over emotional bonds.

• Medea’s vengeance is both personal and symbolic—an act against the broader injustices faced by women.

4. Hubris and the Consequences of Defying the Gods

• Jason’s downfall stems from his arrogance and disregard for divine justice.

• Medea, though victorious, is left isolated—her extreme vengeance separates her from humanity.

• Unlike traditional tragic figures, Medea does not suffer divine punishment but is also not fully triumphant.

5. The Role of the Mother in Greek Society

• Medea’s murder of her own children is the ultimate transgression against motherhood.

• Greek women were expected to be nurturing and self-sacrificing, making her act especially horrifying.

• Her actions question whether maternal love is innate or if circumstances can override it.

IV. Key Characters

• Medea – A vengeful, intelligent, and emotionally complex woman who defies social norms.

• Jason – A pragmatic yet callous figure who seeks power at the cost of loyalty.

• Creon – The king of Corinth, whose fear of Medea leads to his downfall.

• Glauce – Jason’s new wife, an innocent yet passive character.

• The Chorus – Corinthian women who sympathize with Medea but are horrified by her actions.

V. Important Passages & Analysis

1. Medea’s monologue (on the plight of women) – Highlights gender inequality in Greek society.

2. Medea’s debate with Jason – Showcases her rhetorical skill and exposes Jason’s selfish logic.

3. The final scene (Medea escaping in Helios’ chariot) – Challenges traditional tragic endings; Medea is not punished but remains an outcast.