Why Did Medea Become Revengeful?
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, to various questions of Medea.
Answer
Why did Medea become revengeful?
In Euripides’ (C.480 BC – C.406 BC) play “Medea” (431 BC), Medea becomes revengeful because of the intense betrayal and injustice she experiences from Jason, her husband. Jason’s decision to leave Medea and marry Glauce, the daughter of King Creon, triggers Medea’s vengeful actions. Her sense of betrayal, deep pain, and pride push her towards seeking revenge. Here are the main reasons why Medea becomes revengeful:
Betrayal by Jason: Jason’s betrayal is the main reason for Medea’s revenge. Medea had sacrificed everything for him. She leaves her home, betrays her father, kills her brother, and steals Golden Fleece. However, Jason’s decision to abandon her and their children to marry Glauce makes her feel completely insulted. Medea feels that Jason has not only broken his promises but has also dishonoured their marriage. She says,
You’ve broken faith with me.
This expresses how deeply his betrayal has wounded her.
Loss of Honor and Pride: Medea’s pride is another key factor behind her revenge. In Greek society, honour and reputation were highly valued. Medea feels publicly insulted by Jason’s actions. To restore her pride and dignity, she feels forced to take violent actions. So, she kills Glauce and her children to take revenge on Jason.
Isolation and Distress: Medea is left alone and isolated in a foreign land with no family or support. She sacrificed everything for Jason, and now she faces the threat of exile by Ling Creon. This would leave her and her children completely helpless. This sense of being abandoned pushes Medea to the extreme. She becomes determined to make Jason suffer as much as she has, even if it means committing unthinkable acts, such as killing her own children. She says,
I’ve made up my mind, my friends.
I’ll do it—kill my children now, without delay.
Medea’s revenge is fueled by betrayal, and a hopeless desire to regain control over her life. Her actions, though horrifying, are portrayed as the result of injustice and personal destruction.