Euripedes medea
Euripedes medeaThe term "barbarian" is Greek in origin. The Greeks used it for any races that were not of a Greek origin, especially those that were very different from themselves. Because most of these "barbarians" regularly assaulted Greek cities, the term gradually evolved into a rude insult, a person who was a sub-human, uncivilized, and regularly practiced the most vile and inhuman acts imaginable. It is obvious that a barbarian was not considered as a member of society as well as a woman in Ancient Greece. In many Greek tragedies women either play a secondary role or are not represented at all. It is unusual to read a tragedy where woman is a main character and not only that, a barbarian.
Euripides� Medea was written during the Peloponesian War. War, regardless of when it occurs, not only destroys and kills but also causes a reflection on the values in a society. Literature in ancient Greece was a main reflection of what the society thought and what values and rules it held dear, such as bravery, loyalty, ownership of property, and love for family as is shown in the Odyssey. Obviously, the Peloponesian War brought a much stress and chaos on the Greek society of this period, so during this time Euripedes was different in his subject matter and how he portrayed his characters, especially women. He created a play where he opposed a barbarian to someone �civilized�, as with Medea and Jason. The civilized Jason is more barbaric in his emotional callousness than the barbarian Medea, but by the end of the play she loses any sympathy the audience may have for her with her truly barbaric revenge.
The Nurse calls Medea a "strange woman." She is anything but typical. Euripides admits from the outset that this is a bizarre tale of an exceptional human being.
Two great pains tear Medea; her betrayal of her own country and her exile, and the betrayal of Jason. The two are interwoven and double her sorrow. Guilt, loneliness, rejection, and love, all affect her. Of course Medea is barbarian. She came from a different country; she is violent, and everyone knows that she possesses a unique and in somewhat supernatural power to make people to do things her way. These characteristics match the definition of barbarian in ancient Greece. On the other hand, we realize that part of her power is her intellect, which is not typically a "barbarian", but a Greek attribute. People, including the king, are afraid of Medea.
Their fear is based not only on the fact that she has a great passion and is able to do something terrible, but also on the fact that people realize something. A "barbarian" can think, has emotions and feelings and, moreover, can exercise power over them. Another factor that scares people is her being a woman. In Ancient Greece women did not have political power. Their voices were never been heard, unless through a man. Medea�s voice is not only...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.