Notes on 'The Medea of Euripides' Translated by Gilbert Murray
Introduction
Medea: A tragedy of character and situation, focusing on the end of a romance between Medea and Jason.
Jason and Medea's Background:
Jason, exiled from his home, undertakes a quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis.
Medea, an enchantress and daughter of King AĂ«tes of Colchis, aids Jason in his quest.
Post-quest, Jason and Medea flee Colchis after Medea kills her brother.
Medea's actions lead to their exile and further complications.
Theme: The play explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the consequences of love and ambition.
Dramatic Elements: Euripides uses unique approaches in his tragedy, avoiding romanticizing the story and focusing on the harsh realities and character flaws.
Characters
Medea: Daughter of AĂ«tes, a powerful enchantress, abandoned by Jason.
Jason: Leader of the Argonauts, who abandons Medea for Creon's daughter.
Creon: King of Corinth, father of Jason's new bride.
Aegeus: King of Athens, offers Medea sanctuary.
Nurse and Attendant: Serve Medea and her children.
Children of Jason and Medea: Victims of Medea's revenge.
Chorus: Corinthian women who comment on the unfolding drama.
Plot Summary
Exile and Desperation
Creon orders Medea and her children to be exiled due to fear of Medea's wrath.
Medea, desperate and betrayed by Jason's marriage to Creon's daughter, plans revenge.
Medea's Revenge
Medea pretends to accept Jason's new marriage to gain time.
She plans to poison Creon’s daughter with a cursed robe and crown.
Medea's internal conflict is profound, torn between love for her children and her desire for revenge.
The Tragic Resolution
The poison kills Creon's daughter and Creon himself.
Medea, in a fit of rage and revenge, kills her own children to leave Jason childless.
She escapes to Athens on a chariot sent by the Sun God, where Aegeus has promised her refuge.
Themes and Analysis
Betrayal and Revenge: Central themes explored through Medea’s actions.
Gender and Power: Medea challenges the societal norms of women’s roles.
Tragic Flaws: Characters’ flaws lead them to their doom.
Divine Intervention: Medea's escape by divine means highlights her semi-divine status.
Literary and Historical Context
Greek Tragedy: The play fits into the tradition of exploring human flaws and divine justice.
Euripides’ Style: Known for his psychological depth, Euripides focuses on inner motives and emotions.
Reception: Initially received poorly but later recognized for its intense character study and dramatic structure.
Conclusion
The Medea of Euripides is a complex exploration of human emotion, divine influence, and the catastrophic consequences of betrayal and vengeance. The character of Medea stands as one of the most powerful and tragic figures in Greek literature.