Gender Inequality In Medea, By Euripides

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The theatre has remained as a social outlet for various ideologies ever since ancient Greece. Throughout the years, the audience vividly observes various social views as expressed by the playwrights. The play, Medea, by Euripides, is no exception. Similar to other playwrights, Euripides uses the theater as a channel to express his social views to other Greeks. Euripides ' play Medea functions as a social commentary to convince the Greeks that their view on the demeaning social status of women is flawed. Euripides uses the belittlement of women in Greek society as an indication of gender inequality, effectively portraying that Greek men have more power and status than Greek women. Initially, Medea feels cheated and heartbroken upon hearing …show more content…
In today 's society, there is an important statistic called wage gap which is defined as an index of the status of women 's earnings relative to men 's earnings. It was implemented since the success of a society is loosely defined by the gender equality between men and women. Medea 's understanding of this injustice toward Greek women is depicted as a great flaw in Greek society. Furthermore, Medea confronts Jason regarding the aid she has provided so that Jason is able to successfully complete his quest. Jason asserts, “It was the goddess of Love and none other, mortal or immortal, who delivered me from the dangers of my quest…But as I shall demonstrate, in the matter of my rescue you got more than you gave” (49). Jason acknowledges neither Medea’s efforts nor her sacrifices which were essential to the successful completion and survival of Jason’s quest. Instead, Jason claims that it was the work of the gods which resulted in Jason’s success and fails to consider Medea’s betrayal to her country and family to provide Jason with the …show more content…
Primarily, Medea persuades Creon to let her stay when he orders her to be banished from the land. Despite Creon 's assertive decision, Medea tries to stay in the land for longer by pleading, “Allow me to stay for this one day to complete my plans for departure and get together provision for my children… Have pity on them. You too are the father of children” (45). As an ancient Greek woman, Medea has no power to question the decision of any Greek man - let alone the decision of King Creon. Medea refutes against Creon which exhibits her powerful nature as a Greek woman. This situation is further magnified by Medea 's ability to persuade the King to retract his decision to immediately exile Medea. Rather than being portrayed as being equal to a Greek man due to her ability to express her opinion, Medea is presented as being above them since she defies even the King 's orders. The acts which Medea commit in this conversation portray her as a feminist. Moreover, Jason disregards Medea 's sacrifices for him, which in turn, provokes her further to prove that Greek women are just as capable at doing any task as Greek men. Medea cautions, “Nobody shall despise me or think me weak or passive” (57). Despite the accepted misogynistic belief in ancient Greece, Medea communicates her ambition to be perceived

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