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Euripides'
"Medea" is a classic example of a revenge tragedy, a genre of drama
that emerged during the Elizabethan era in England. A revenge tragedy is a type
of play in which the protagonist seeks revenge for a perceived wrong, often
leading to violence and tragedy. In "Medea," the titular character is
consumed with rage and seeks revenge against her husband, Jason, and his new
bride, Glauce. This essay will examine how "Medea" can be considered
a revenge tragedy, exploring its key features and themes.
One of the defining
features of a revenge tragedy is the central role played by revenge. The
protagonist is driven by a desire for vengeance, which often leads to violence
and tragedy. In "Medea," the eponymous character is consumed with
rage after her husband, Jason, betrays her and marries Glauce. She seeks
revenge against Jason and Glauce, using her cunning and intelligence to devise
a plan that will cause them to suffer as she has. The revenge that Medea seeks
is not only physical but also emotional, as she wants to destroy Jason's
happiness and reputation as well.
Another important feature
of a revenge tragedy is the use of violence and horror to heighten the drama.
In "Medea," the violence is not shown on stage, but it is still
present through Medea's threats of violence and the aftermath of her actions.
For example, she kills her own children as part of her revenge against Jason, a
horrifying act that shocks the audience and heightens the tragedy of the play.
The use of horror and violence also serves to highlight the destructive power
of revenge and the tragic consequences that result from it.
Furthermore, another key
aspect of a revenge tragedy is the use of soliloquies and asides to convey the
protagonist's inner thoughts and emotions. In "Medea," the eponymous
character frequently delivers soliloquies in which she expresses her rage and
plans for revenge. Through these monologues, the audience gains insight into
Medea's motivations and sees how her desire for revenge consumes her. The use
of soliloquies and asides also serves to create a sense of intimacy between the
audience and the protagonist, making the tragedy all the more affecting.
Another feature of a
revenge tragedy is the presence of a ghost or supernatural element. In
"Medea," there is no supernatural element per se, but there is a
sense of foreboding and supernatural forces at work. The use of poison, which
is traditionally associated with witches and magic, adds to this sense of
supernatural power. The presence of Medea, a foreigner and sorceress, also adds
to the sense of otherworldly power, as she possesses knowledge and skills that
are beyond the realm of the ordinary.
Moreover, a key theme of a
revenge tragedy is the corrupting power of revenge. In "Medea," the
eponymous character is consumed with rage and seeks revenge against Jason and
Glauce. However, her desire for revenge leads her to commit unspeakable acts,
including the murder of her own children. In seeking revenge, Medea becomes
corrupted and loses sight of what is truly important. The play shows how
revenge can consume a person, leading them to commit acts of violence and
destruction that ultimately destroy them.
In conclusion,
"Medea" can be considered a classic example of a revenge tragedy,
exploring themes of revenge, violence, horror, and the corrupting power of
vengeance. The play features a protagonist who is consumed with rage and seeks
revenge against those who have wronged her. The use of soliloquies and asides
allows the audience to gain insight into Medea's motivations and emotions,
while the presence of horror and supernatural elements heightens the drama.
Ultimately, the play serves as a cautionary tale, warning