Describe the death scene of Glauce.
Medea is a notable literary work by Euripides. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Medea.
Answer
Describe the death scene of Glauce. [NU: 2013, 20, 22] ★★★
In “Medea (431 BCE), Euripides (c. 480–406 BCE) represents one of the most shocking deaths in Greek tragedy. Glauce, the young princess of Corinth, dies by Medea’s cunning plan. Her painful death reveals Medea’s cruel revenge and the tragic results of betrayal and pride.
Medea’s Plan: Medea sends her children to the palace with gifts. The gifts are a golden crown and a fine dress. She says they are for Glauce. But the gifts are poisoned. Medea plans to kill Glauce to punish Jason. The princess accepts the gifts happily. She does not know the hidden danger. Medea uses her wisdom and cruelty together. Her plan shows her deep hatred and clever mind. The poisoned dress becomes the main weapon of revenge.
Glauce’s Joy Turns to Pain: At first, Glauce feels happy to get the gifts. She puts on the crown and the dress. Soon her joy turns into unbearable pain. Her body starts to burn. Her skin melts, and she falls to the ground. The Messenger describes the scene with horror. He says that the poison eats her flesh like fire. Her beauty changes into death. The Chorus feels pity for her. The death of Glauce shows how revenge destroys the innocent.
Creon’s Death: King Creon rushes to save his daughter. He embraces her body with love and sorrow. But the poison touches him too. He dies holding his dead child. His death adds more sadness to the scene. Medea’s revenge becomes double. She kills both father and daughter. Euripides uses this tragic moment to show the power of anger and the cruelty of revenge.
Thus, the death of Glauce is painful and tragic. It shows Medea’s heartless revenge and Jason’s punishment. Euripides uses this scene to teach that pride and betrayal always lead to destruction.