Medea by Euripides | Summary & Analysis

Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth analysis of the plot, characters, symbols, and themes of Euripides's play Medea.


Euripides's classic tragedy Medea delves into the consequences of betrayal and revenge as few other plays do.

The title character, dumped by her husband, the adventurer Jason, in favor of a newer, younger woman, does not take her dismissal lightly. Rather than slinking into the shadows to recover her lost dignity, Medea enacts a vicious and dramatic revenge plot that ends in the death of her own children by Jason.

Her cruel but effective ploy has enshrined her in the pantheon of figures from Greek myth as a cautionary figure: the woman who is not content to accept her fate at the hands of men.

Medea is not to be trifled with and her reactions to Jason's disrespect constitute some of the most memorable scenes in all of theatrical history.

Did you know? The Medea Syndrome, also called spousal revenge, refers to a parent who murders their children as a way of getting revenge on the other parent. It is often sparked by a divorce or another extreme life event.

Euripides is considered one of three great Greek tragic dramatists, and his play Medea was first performed in 431 BCE. He wrote nontraditional plays that captured universal emotions while exploring new topics, such as strong female characters, thinking slaves, and satirical heroes. Today, his character Medea has become synonymous with the spurned woman in popular culture.

This Greek tragedy contains many powerful symbols, including the poisoned crown representing Jason’s ambition and Medea’s revenge, cries within the marriage house representing the pain of betrayal, and the golden chariot representing Medea’s pride, victory, and divine nature. Other themes explored include betrayal, passion, and revenge.


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[korialogo]

This dude (along with whoever else created this) is a lifesaver. Also, this video is just really well-done in general. At least in my opinion.

[Someonelikekanye]

Just gotta say, this mans intensity makes this video so entertaining thus very easy to watch. Bravo

[damonika]

She really is the definition of, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

[aiyah]

I love his tone while talking. It forces me to pay attention and makes it more entertaining!!

[eddishh]

thanks for letting me watch this instead of reading 70 pages, saved me some time :D

[--astro]

*love without passion, but with moderation and wisdom is better, because it does not breed destruction* damn

[Bigcatmeow]

double whatever you are paying this man

[maxbrunette]

Medea didn't have magical powers because she had the blood of gods she had magical powers because she learned them. she was a student of Hecate and her father was a powerful immortal sorcerer. Medea was powerful because she was a woman who could do things that the men around her couldn't, not only with spells but she was also extremely cunning and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. When you look at powerful women like Medea in greek myths they kind of have to be scary they have to do evil things to survive, lest you become the woman who dies at the end.

[emmah]

Great video! She actually kills her children because she doesn't want her enemies to take their revenge out on them though.

[MuhammadAli-kgij]

Thank you so much sir, I appreciate the hardwork you put in video as a English language and literature student, this summary and analysis will help me a lot in my exam of the Origins of Western Literature tomorrow

[shot]

this video is on another level this is so well done

[loreenamiguez]

Your videos are amazing! I learn so much!

[kidicarus]

This did not go over her conversation with the king from the other state who granted her protection if she came to his country once she was exiled. Really important to know.
Edit: it does mention him

[ameri]

thank you sir for your amazing analyze and explanation

[seraymemis]

Your videos are so helpful to understand the plays. Can you analyse "Everyman" play? :)

[wotanwanderer]

How would have the Greeks watched that in stage back then? Its so tragic, unbearable .

[nikolaisheremetev]

If i'm referencing this in an essay, is Russel Jaffe the author? or is the author Course Hero, and he is just narrating?

[theshellest]

Reading Madea was torturing. Listening to the audio version of it was better, but not great.
Watching you summarize it with animation was exciting. A little misleading since the play is boring (to me anyway), but still exciting. Bravo.

[human]

Have this in school, in German and I'm from Germany😂you help me best👍

[quizguru]

We totally sure I made questions round the indicated issue.