Consider Medea as a revenge tragedy.

Answer

Consider Medea as a revenge tragedy. [NU: 2016, 18, 22] ★★★ 

A revenge tragedy is a type of drama where the main character seeks revenge for a wrong done to them. Euripides’ play “Medea,” first performed in 431 BC, is a powerful example of a revenge tragedy. In this tragedy, the main character, Medea, is deeply hurt by her husband Jason’s betrayal. Her pain turns into anger, and she decides to take revenge in the most extreme way.

Medea’s Betrayal and Pain: The story of Medea begins with deep betrayal. Medea, a princess from Colchis, helped Jason win the Golden Fleece. She left her home and killed her own brother to be with Jason. She saved his life many times and helped him become a hero. However, Jason later betrays Medea by marrying another woman, the princess of Corinth. This breaks Medea’s heart and fills her with anger. She feels humiliated and abandoned.

The betrayal is even worse because Jason does not think he has done anything wrong. He tells Medea that he married the princess to give their children a better future. But Medea sees this as an excuse. She feels that Jason has thrown her away now that he no longer needs her. Medea feels betrayed as a woman. She says:

“We women are the most unfortunate.”

Medea’s Revenge Plan: In revenge tragedies, the hero (or anti-hero) often plans their revenge carefully. Medea is no different. At first, she acts like she accepts Jason’s decision. She even sends gifts to the new bride—a poisoned crown and robe. When the princess puts them on, she dies in great pain. Her father, King Creon, also dies trying to save her.

Medea does not stop there. She wants to hurt Jason as much as possible. She believes the best way to do this is by killing their two children. This is the most shocking part of her revenge. She says:

“I’ll do it—kill my children now, without delay.”

Even though she