In the play "Medea" by Euripides, the titular character is often referred to as a tragic hero. However, the label of tragic hero is a controversial one when applied to Medea, as she does not fit the traditional mold of a tragic hero and her actions are far from heroic.
According to the traditional definition of a tragic hero, a character must be of high status and have a tragic flaw that ultimately leads to their downfall. Medea, however, is a foreign princess who has been exiled from her homeland and is living in Corinth as an outcast. She is not a high-status character in the traditional sense, and while she is intelligent and resourceful, she does not have a tragic flaw that leads to her downfall.
Furthermore, the actions of a tragic hero are typically meant to evoke sympathy and empathy from the audience. However, Medea's actions, including murdering her children and ex-husband, are not likely to garner sympathy from the audience. In fact, her actions are often seen as shocking and reprehensible.
Despite these inconsistencies with the traditional definition of a tragic hero, some argue that Medea can be seen as a tragic hero due to the tragic circumstances she faces. The play "Medea" is centered around the theme of revenge, and Medea is driven to seek revenge against her ex-husband, Jason, for his betrayal and abandonment of her. The betrayal and abandonment are certainly tragic circumstances, and it is easy to understand how Medea might feel driven to seek revenge.
However, even if we consider Medea's circumstances as tragic, her actions are not heroic. In fact, her actions are violent and extreme, and they ultimately bring about her own downfall. Her decision to kill her children is particularly disturbing and goes beyond any sense of justice or revenge.
In conclusion, while Medea may be a complex and multifaceted character, she does not fit the traditional mold of a tragic hero. Her actions are not heroic, and she does not have a tragic flaw that leads to her downfall. Instead, her actions and decisions are driven by a desire for revenge and ultimately lead to her own destruction.
Is Medea a tragic hero? essay example
Jason's reversal of fortune is his transition of him having an established family, as well as acquiring the prospect of a royal marriage, but proceeds to lose everything at the hand of Medea. Clytemnestra revenge is very secretive because she hopes to surprise her husband and catch him off guard. Those people sometimes forget to stop looking at what they do not have and what they can have compared to others of the time, and focus on the positive aspects, such as their significant other. Overall, even though Euripides does attempt to portray Medea as the malignant villain, under all the layers, especially to a modern audience, she is truly the tragic heroine. To which she then moves on to be a strong character with a new life in Athens. This hamartia, or flaw, is that she is willing to do whatever she can to get her revenge on Jason.
Is Medea a Tragic Hero?
It is especially important that Medea rides off to Athens as, if going to Greece is an improvement for Medea, then Athens would have been seen as quite the reward, especially by an Athenian audience. He even says that he did not leave Medea "for the new hot model" and he has no desire for more children, with the exception of the additional sons he will sire as they will prove to be a benefit. Although many people argue that the point that Medea is not only a woman but the fact that she killed her own children, it is thought to be that these traits prevent her from being considered a tragic hero. What are the 6 characteristics of a tragic hero? These characters ranks and abilities were part of their conflict. Conversely, Medea behaves in a way that is vindictive towards Jason. Euripides, more than all other tragedians, has predicted many of the horrors that occur in the modern world, showing both the glory and the monstrosity of the oppressed turned oppressor. The story contains all the features of a revenge tragedy.
Medea Tragic Hero Essay
Even though Medea was written by Euripides and not Aristotle, the great author of dramas, the story still shows great signs illustrating that Medea should, in fact, be considered a tragic hero. Because she fears the king will attempt to avenge the death of his daughter by harming her sons, Medea kills them. Before the fifth century BCE, there seem to have been two variants of the myth's conclusion. Because of his betrayal with another woman and his abandonment of their children, Medea feels jealous, desperate, and forsaken. However, at the point he got greedy and wanted Claudius to suffer more he became a tragic flaw within the play. For example, Jason may have been spared his enormous loss if the timing of the events were altered. The original rendition of Medea comes from Euripides as a play.
