Dilemmas In The Story Of Medea, By Euripides

Often times people are under the notion that Greek mythology’s purpose is to provide entertainment to its readers and audiences. While that is certainly the case, these stories are also useful for examining the complications and questions linked with the understanding of humanity and the human experience. One specific section of Greek mythology that highlights this is tragedies. Problems such as family relations and alienation from the community are clear examples of obstacles that one encounters. These tragedies may also present potential insight or solutions to the problems that arise. An example of this would be the story of Medea. The entire play is based on the strained marital relationship between Medea and her former husband Jason. Throughout the play, Euripides explores the dilemmas faced by those who are affected by people who are selfish and only cognizant of themselves. While the story of Medea offers a solution to the problem faced, it is not fully resolved in the play itself.

After Jason left Medea for Glauce, Medea’s “entire world [had] turned to enmity” (Medea 15). He claimed that is was in the children’s best interest, setting up a much better life for them because he had the potential to eventually become king and provide for them even better than before. This sparks a huge emotional shock from Medea because she is in love with someone who only cares about bettering their own life and putting them self in a better position to succeed rather than caring for others. She is left with unrequited love and is ambivalent about how to deal with the betrayal. Euripides’ psychological insight suggests that victims of strong emotional injuries not only go against those who inflict said injuries, but against thei...

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...s of Jason has caused her to psychologically break down and act irrationally. In her mind she has solved the problem, when in fact she has only made it worse. Retribution had been paid and to her that was all that mattered.

Greek mythology not only provides the audience with entertainment, but also depicts the complications that arise from the human experience. The genre of tragedies is one that incorporates these two aspects well. Medea is a solid example of this where throughout the play, Euripides explores the dilemmas faced by those who are affected by people who are self-centered. Dealing with the heartbreak from marital relations leads to revenge, a common form of dealing with your problems in Greek mythology. Even though Medea was able to exact revenge, the defects in the relationship were never mended and ultimately the complications never resolved.