Question

Write an essay that argues how Medea could be considered the hero of this tale. Support your response with information from the text.

Be sure to:
• Introduce your claim.
• Support your claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, including facts and details, from the passages.
• Acknowledge and address alternate or opposing claims.
• Organize the reasons and evidence logically.
• Identify the passages by title or number when using details or facts directly from the passages.
• Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the passages.
• Use appropriate and varied transitions to connect your ideas and to clarify the relationships among claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
• Use clear language and vocabulary.
• Establish and maintain a formal style.
• Provide a conclusion that supports the argument presented.
• Check your work for correct usage, grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

Answer 1

Answer: Medea, the protagonist of the Greek tragedy by Euripides, is often seen as the villain of the story due to her acts of revenge and cruelty. However, upon closer examination of the text, it becomes clear that Medea could also be considered the hero of the tale. Through her actions, Medea ultimately achieves a sense of justice and agency, which are central elements of the hero's journey.

Firstly, it is important to consider the context of the story. Medea is a foreigner who has been abandoned by her husband, Jason, in order to marry a younger and more powerful princess. In this patriarchal society, Medea is powerless and without agency. However, Medea refuses to be a victim and takes matters into her own hands. She decides to exact revenge on Jason and his new bride, and in doing so, takes control of her own fate. This determination and willingness to fight against injustice are traits commonly associated with heroes.

Furthermore, Medea's actions can be seen as a response to the injustices she has suffered. She has been betrayed by the man she loved and left to fend for herself in a foreign land. Additionally, her children are at risk of being taken away from her. Medea's decision to take revenge can be seen as a way of reclaiming her agency and seeking justice for the wrongs that have been done to her. In this sense, Medea's actions are not simply acts of blind rage but are a calculated response to the injustices she has suffered.

Additionally, Medea's actions can be seen as a form of heroism in that they challenge societal norms and expectations. Medea defies the patriarchal norms of ancient Greece by refusing to be a passive victim and instead takes control of her own fate. She also challenges the societal expectation of maternal love by killing her own children in order to inflict the greatest possible pain on Jason. While her actions may be seen as morally reprehensible, they can also be viewed as a powerful assertion of her own agency and independence.

While it is true that Medea's actions are violent and destructive, it is important to consider the context in which she acts. Medea is a woman who has been abandoned and betrayed by the man she loved. She is powerless in a patriarchal society that values male power and privilege above all else. By taking control of her own fate and seeking justice for the wrongs that have been done to her, Medea can be seen as a hero in her own right.

In conclusion, while it is easy to view Medea as the villain of the story, it is important to consider the context of her actions and the injustices she has suffered. Through her determination, agency, and willingness to challenge societal norms, Medea can be seen as a hero in her own right. While her actions may be morally questionable, they can also be seen as a powerful assertion of her own agency and independence. Ultimately, Medea's journey can be seen as a tale of empowerment and justice in the face of oppression and betrayal.

Step-by-step explanation: