Medea is a tragic Greek hero from Euripides’ play of the same name. Her story has been repeated for centuries, and her actions have been debated in schools of philosophy since antiquity. In this essay, I will argue that Medea’s actions were justified based on the situational context she faced as a betrayed woman and through examining the motivations behind her decisions.
Write an essay arguing that Medea was justified in her actions.
First off, it is important to consider the societal context in which Medea lived: Ancient Greece was a slave-owning society where women had little agency or power over their lives. As such, when Medea’s husband Jason abandons her after taking another wife, he not only wrongs her but also betrays his patriarchal obligations to honor and protect her; by doing this, he strips away all sense of security that she may have held. Furthermore, by engaging with Glauce – who was presented as an elevated status figure compared to Medea – Jason puts himself higher than his former wife in social standing; thereby dishonoring any vows they may have shared together during their marriage.
These factors paint a picture of betrayal and hurt that could understandably generate feelings of frustration and anger within Medea; yet instead of allowing herself to succumb to these emotions without action (as so many women are conditioned to do) she stands up in defense of herself via two significant means: (1) killing King Creon’s daughter Glauce whom was supposedly taken from him as revenge for banishing her from Corinthian soil; (2) murdering her own two sons out of fear that they would suffer should they stay with their father due to potential retribution against them for aiding their mother’s acts out rage. These examples demonstrate how Medea bravely took matters into her own hands despite knowing full well what repercussions would come if caught – an inspiring act indeed given all odds stacked against her success!
Additionally, one must look at the motivation behind why she did what she did: while revenge certainly played a factor in some respects (i.e., getting back at Glauce/King Creon), ultimately it appears as though survival instincts trumped other desires upon careful examination. After all, we know from previous dialogues between characters throughout the play that Medea feared being alone without family/support if something happened too soon after leaving Corinthian soil; thus it seems reasonable enough for us assume here that once Jason chose his new bride-to-be then death seemed like best option available given situation at hand – particularly because there is no indication otherwise indicated throughout text nor any mention made towards escaping outside city walls prior going down murderous route either! Ultimately then this highlights how even though betrayal necessarily led up moment(s) when heinous acts took place yet ultimately decision came down preserving self over everything else – something anyone can identify or sympathize with given right set circumstances present themselves during particular time period being examined here today…a truly remarkable feat indeed considering stakes involved!
All things considered then it becomes quite clear why modern audiences continue find sympathy towards character such as Medea: despite living within oppressive society where women had limited rights/privileges–in addition facing overwhelming odds stacked against them due past social conventions–here we see prime example someone fighting back even under most dire conditions imaginable…all while attempting preserve life itself whatever cost necessary along way! Given facts presented herein plus those provided ancient sources cited above therefore can confidently conclude yes indeed our heroine acted justifiably under law circumstance surrounding case at hand…so much respect due personage whose heroic deeds remain relevant thousands years later now more ever before nowadays thanks continued appreciation storytelling art form passed down generations since inception ages ago!