Medea In A Greek Play

Every story that incites emotion from the reader also sparks opinions on how he or she would react in the same situation. This instigation causes the reader to sympathize or criticize the characters. A Greek play, Medea, compels the reader to do both as the main character, Medea, reveals how her grief and vengeance result in her actions seeming understandable and extreme simultaneously – making it difficult to decide whether she is morally right or wrong. The confliction within Medea’s development in the story and the challenging task of judging her actions highlight how strong emotions can make – even definite – morals appear circumstantial, and thus, cause anyone to be engrossed over satisfying their own emotional needs, while sacrificing the lives of others.

After Medea’s husband, Jason, betrayed her, desiring justice for his sin is a predictable action because the natural inclination to punish those who violate what is precious, for example, the sanctity of marriage, connects all of humanity – no matter the culture or time period. Therefore, one can understand Medea’s feelings and judge her goal as righteous. Moreover, the chorus, who’s role in a Greek play is to morally educate, defends and encourages Medea in

In the beginning of the monologue, Medea is heartbroken when she realizes that “without [them] [she] will live a life of sorrow” and that her “heart is not in it”. By illustrating the guilt within Medea, the author, Euripides, shows that when one is consumed with revenge, you forget the love and importance of others. Thus, leading oneself to selfishly sacrifice the well-being of another person. Unfortunately, even when Medea acknowledges her immoral action, she continues with prideful resolve that she will not be a “laughing