Medea - the Abandonment of Gender Roles Essay - 823 Words

In Euripides Medea, the protagonist abandoned the gender roles of ancient Greek society. Medea defied perceptions of gender by exhibiting both male and female tendencies. She was able to detach herself from her womanly emotions at times and perform acts that society did not see women capable of doing. However, Medea did not fully abandon her role as a woman and did express many female emotions throughout the play. br brIn ancient Greek society, murder was not commonly associated with women. Throughout the play, however, Medea committed several acts of murder. br brWe learn that Medea has killed her brother. Medea does not have any guilt about planning and carrying out the murders of king Creon and his daughter Glauke. As the†¦show more content†¦(Euripides 212-219) br brMedea seeks vengeance with the same forceful determination to rectify the situation as a man would. A woman seeking revenge challenges societys view of women as weak and passive. Medea will go to great lengths to hurt Jason for the wrongs he has done to her. br br[Chorus]You will slaughter them to avenge the dishonor of your bed betrayedÂ…[Medea]O children, your fathers sins have caused your death(Euripides 211-219) br brMedea dwells in self-pity until contriving a scheme that will avenge her hurt. Wallowing in self contempt is generally a quality attributed to women by society. Medea is so unhappy with herself after her marriage with Jason ended that she wanted to die. br brOh! My grief! The misery of it all! Why can I not die?Â…O misery! The things I have suffered!Â…Oh! Would a flaming bolt from Heaven might pierce my brain! What is the good of living any longer? O misery! Let me give up this life I find so hateful. Let me seek lodging in the house of deathÂ…Its all over my friends; I would gladly die. Life has lost its savorÂ…Ah! Double destruction is my unhappy lot! The troubles are mine, I have no lack of troubles.(Euripides 192-197) br brMedea also experiences the female emotion of jealousy. Medea is jealous of Glauke, the daughter of Creon. Jason has left Medea for Glauke, who is younger, royalty and accepted by society. br brÂ…Your foreign wife was passing into an old age that didShow MoreRelatedAn Analysis of the Play Medea by Euripides1410 Words   |  6 PagesThe notion of the ideal man presented in the play Medea, by Euripides, is an exceptionally important one in the context of 5th Century Athens, a culture based very much upon the importance of the man both in his household and the general society. In Greece during the time of the play, the ideal man showed strong attributes of physical skill and aesthetics, intelligence and wisdom, and courage and bravery, especially in the face of adversity. 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