Feminism in Medea by Euripides Essay - 1000 Words

Feminism in Medea by Euripides The play Medea by Euripides challenges the dominant views of femininity in the patriarchal society of the Greeks. While pursuing her ambition Medea disregards many of the feminine stereotypes/ characteristics of the patriarchal Greek society. She questions the inequality of women in a patriarchal society, contradicts Jason?s chauvinist beliefs, challenges the stereotype that women are weak and passive and completely disregards the feminine role of motherhood. Feminism is the belief that women and men are, and have been, treated differently by society, and that women have frequently and systematically been unable to participate fully in all social arenas and institutions. This belief is confirmed in†¦show more content†¦Then she was transferred to the home of her husband where she was to fulfill her principal function, the bearing and rearing children. Medea shows the inequality of women in Greek society. The betrayal of Medea by Jason through h is marriage to another woman enrages Medea. She begins to question the role and position of women in a patriarchal society. Are we women not the wretchedness? We scratch and save a dowry to buy a man?Our lives depends on how his lordship feels. For better for worse we can?t divorce him.(p.8, Medea). However, a husband tired of domesticity, Goes out sees friends and enjoys himself?.(p.8and 9, Medea). Medea compares the virtual slavery of women to the absolute freedom of men, showing the inequality and disempowerment of women in society at that time. Jason?s chauvinist beliefs are put under the microscope. Jason airs his views about what all women want: If they?re (women) happy in bed, they?re happy everywhere. By comparing Medea?s pure feminism to Jason?s selfish chauvinism, Euripides brokers sympathy and support for feminism from the audience. Medea questions the firmly held belief in Greek society that women are weak and passive. Wanting revenge on Jason for his betrayal of her, Medea must take control of the situation, a stereotypical masculine quality. Though she cannot become a man or take power like a man, she perceives herShow MoreRelatedEssay on Feminism and its Role in Medea1048 Words   |  5 PagesIn Medea, by Euripides, conflicts play a major role in the creation of the play. Some examples of these conflicts are with Medea and Jason, Medea and herself, and Medea and Creon. Medea is shown to be a strong, independent woman who does what she wants as well as doesn’t let anything stand in her way. She shares qualities of a traditional male at the time, and the qualities of a traditional female. Euripides makes this clear in the play by creating conflicts to prove women can be a powerful characterRead MoreAs A Society, We Are Being Continuously Taught Not To Stray1506 Words   |  7 Pagesroles that exi sted. 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