Transgression In Euripides's Medea

Euripides’ classic “Medea” is well known for being one of the first texts in literary history to have a female as its main character. However, it is infamous amongst readers, especially certain feminists, as the text that displays women as mad, hysterical, and irrational. When reading the text, many are taken aback due to Medea’s shockingly brutal actions throughout the play. She is depicted as a brutish murderer who possesses no limits. Her actions range from murdering royals to committing infanticide. “Medea” is recognized as a classic Greek Tragedy. Many unfortunate events occur throughout the play. Nevertheless, it may not be obvious to readers during their first reading of it, but there is an essence of accomplishment and success that results from Medea’s transgression. Although the play challenges normalcy, and the protagonist’s actions can be severely disturbing, Medea’s transgression was revolutionary.

First of all, she is the protagonist of the play. It focuses on

He makes readers wonder why women are not usually the ones who handle roles that males traditionally take on. Medea appears to be merciless, wise, and powerful in the play. If she were male, she would have been vastly celebrated for her boldness and valor. Yet, because she is female she is viewed as a brutal mad woman. The play appears to confront male dominance. It questions readers’ understanding of the other, the female, in a patriarchal society (Segal 17). Are the women heard? Why do they not have the right to act the way men do if they are fully capable of doing so like Medea proves in the play? Are women’s burning passions truly a threat and danger to society, or is society’s labeling and characterization of others the real problem? Does the play confirm the clichés, or does it open readers’ eyes to the reality of patriarchal brainwashing and societal