Evaluate ‘Medea’ as a Tragic Heroine.
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
Evaluate ‘Medea’ as a tragic heroine.
Euripides’ (C.480 BC – C.406 BC) Medea (431 BC) tells the tragic story of Medea. She is a woman betrayed by her husband, Jason. She is not only a wronged wife but also a tragic heroine. Medea’s actions follow the pattern of a tragic hero. Let’s see, Medea fulfills all the conditions of a classic tragic heroine.
Hamartia (Tragic Flaw): Medea’s tragic flaw is her overpowering passion. She loves Jason deeply but also hates him with equal intensity. Her intense love for Jason turns into uncontrollable rage when he betrays her for Glauce. This deep emotional tempest blinds her judgment. This pushes her to make destructive decisions. Medea’s flaw is evident when she states,
I understand too well the dreadful act I’m going to commit, but my judgment cannot check my anger
Her inability to control her rage and her desire for revenge lead to tragic consequences.
Hubris (Excessive Pride): Medea’s pride and sense of self-worth are deeply wounded by Jason’s betrayal. Her pride makes it impossible for her to accept the insult and betrayal, especially after all she sacrificed for him. She declares,
No, I’m a different sort—dangerous to enemies, but well disposed to friends.
Medea’s hubris prevents her from considering forgiveness. Her excessive pride drives her to commit horrendous acts, such as the murder of her own children, to ensure that Jason does not escape without punishment.
Peripetia (Reversal of Fortune): Medea’s life takes a dramatic turn when Jason decides to leave her for the daughter of Creon, the king of Corinth. Her status as a wife and mother is shattered. She is forced into exile. This moment of peripetia triggers her plan for revenge. Her reversal of fortune is also reflected in Jason’s fate. While he believes his marriage to Creon’s daughter will bring him power and happiness, it leads instead to the destruction of his entire family.
Anagnorisis (Recognition): Medea’s moment of anagnorisis occurs when she realizes theUnlock this study guide now