Question

At the end of the play, Medea is seen in goddess form, unveiling her true power and showing how she is above civilizations. What is the significance of this scene?

1) It emphasizes Medea's divine nature and her superiority over mortal beings.
2) It symbolizes the triumph of justice and the downfall of evil.
3) It represents Medea's transformation from a vengeful woman to a powerful deity.
4) It highlights the theme of power and the consequences of abusing it.

Answer 1

The end scene of Euripides' Medea emphasizes her divine nature and themes of power and the consequences of its abuse, showcasing her superiority over mortals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The significance of the scene at the end of Euripides' play where Medea is seen in goddess form, unveiling her true power, involves a multifaceted examination of her character and the play's themes. Firstly, it emphasizes Medea's divine nature and her superiority over mortal beings, as she transcends the limitations imposed on her as a woman and a foreigner within Greek society. This scene also highlights the theme of power and the potential for its abuse, particularly with respect to how Medea's marginalization leads her to commit horrific acts. Rather than symbolizing the triumph of justice, this moment could be seen as a dark revelation of the consequences of societal injustices, and the extremities one may go to as a result of personal anguish and oppression.