Final answer:
In Euripides' 'Medea', democratic principles are reflected through the character's freedom to express grievances, reflecting Athens' value of free speech. Additionally, the critique of power and societal norms mirrors the complex ironies within Athenian society—promoting democracy while maintaining imperial control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Athenian society during the Peloponnesian War is reflected in two key ways in the play 'Medea.' First, the themes of democracy and participation in governance can be seen through the character of Medea, who, although a foreign woman, voices her grievances and critiques the societal norms. This can be linked to Athens' pride in its democratic government, where free speech and the exchange of ideas were valued. Secondly, Euripides' tendency to encourage a questioning of traditional beliefs and the role of the gods can be seen as reflective of the Athenian taste for inquiry and innovation, a core aspect of their Golden Age.
Moreover, 'Medea' critiques the power dynamics and injustices present within Athenian society, such as the treatment of women, foreigners, and the concept of heroism. This mirrors the ironies present in Athens itself, which, despite being a democracy, also exerted imperial control over other city-states, as sheer public building projects like the Parthenon were funded by wealth extracted from its empire. Euripides' questioning of societal conventions and the gods can be seen as echoing the democratic ethos of Athens, where free-thinking and judicial equality were key virtues.