Greed And Selfishness In Medea

The Darkness within a Person The author of the ancient Greek tragedy Medea is called Euripides. This author is considered “one of the most gifted Athenian playwrights of the fifth century BCE… was also well known for his poetry and only 19 plays of work have survived until today” (Emmons and Tschen). Euripides was such an influential writer during his time because of his approach on Literature was different amongst other playwrights. His plays conveyed a “darker side of existence, with plot elements of suffering, revenge and insanity” (Biography Editors). This tragedy centers on the main character Medea who is in a dilemma. She faces multiple emotions and feelings which only increase as the story goes on. Medea is very destructive, she makes a plan and her purpose in this tragedy is not being laughed at. Euripides portrays how the power …show more content…
These actions are seen through Jason’s selfishness and Medea’s desire towards getting vengeance. Greed is seen through Jason’s desire and needs. One of the main characters in Medea was Medea’s first husband and first love, Jason. He is extremely selfish because based on the actions, he only thinks on how it will benefit him, for example using Medea’s skills to help him and others on completing the quest they assigned to. The mission was to “cross the Black Sea to the distant barbarian land of Colchis…and bring back to Greece the Golden Fleece, which was guarded by a dragon” (Svarlien 526). Jason knew that this was such a difficult mission and in order for them to flee, he would have to use Medea so she can use her magic and skills so he can gain power and become well known for his actions. Another example to demonstrate how Jason is greedy is because when Medea bore two sons, he decided to divorce