Euripedes Mede Literary Analysis

Euripedes’ Medea is a tale of rebellion against the patriarchy of its time, which is symbolized by Jason’s betrayal of Medea and her revenge against him to quell her female rage. Jason turning on Medea is the plot catalyst used by Euripedes to demonstrate the danger of scorning women. Medea’s revenge is especially shocking and intended to punish Jason for his infidelity. Her methods are designed to move Medea’s character away from a traditionally passive female role into an anti-female threatening to men. The anger that drives Medea to do this is represented as female rage, which has led many into believing Medea is a feminist tale. These themes are instead installed to make Medea a cautionary tale for men. In exploring the effects of Jason’s betrayal, one must first examine the nature of Jason and Medea’s relationship. Culturally, Medea is expected to be a compliant, submissive wife who is obedient and loyal to her husband Jason. This is confirmed by Medea’s Nurse who says “For her part, she complied with Jason in all things,” (Euripedes, line 16). Thus Medea makes no attempts prior to Jason’s betrayal to usurp him, rebel or oppose his instructions and wishes. This lends to the interpretation of Medea as a cautionary tale, since Jason’s romantic betrayal is
First of all, we have to buy a husband: spend vast amounts of money, just to get a master for our body - to add insult to injury. And the stakes could not be higher: will you get a decent husband, or a bad one? If a woman leaves her husband, then she loses her virtuous reputation. To refuse him is just not possible. When a girl leaves home and comes to live with new ways, different rules, she has to be a prophet-learn somehow the art of dealing smoothly with her bedmate. If we do well, and if our husbands bear the yoke without discomfort or complaint, our lives are admired. If not, it’s best to die.” (Euripedes, lines