Question

In a play Medea: It has been though that the play does not emphasise Medea's barbarian nature quite as much as it is suggested. What are three peices of evidence to show this?

Answer 1

Euripides' Medea is less an emphasis on her barbarian origin, focusing on her psychological portrayal, her articulate and rational character, and the broader themes of societal norms and ethics.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Euripides' play Medea, while Medea is portrayed as a barbarian by heritage, the emphasis on her barbarian nature is not as strong as one might expect. Three pieces of evidence from the play support this notion.

1. Euripides' portrayal of Medea focuses more on the psychological and emotional aspects of her character, rather than on her barbarian origins. His emphasis is on her rational thinking and her struggle against unjust conventions that deny rights to women and foreigners, which diminishes the emphasis on her ethnicity.
2. Character Complexity: Euripides presents Medea as a strong, rational, and articulate woman, often engaged in reasoned argument. This suggests that her actions, however extreme, come from careful deliberation rather than being driven by some inherent 'barbarian' impulsivity.
3. Nuanced Themes: Euripides' works, including Medea, often challenge the audience to reconsider societal norms and the role of the gods. By discrediting the idea that deities promote atrocities and instead highlighting the human-made social order's restraints, the play moves away from Medea's barbarian identity and towards broader moral and ethical considerations.