Human revenge was an old theme in the literature of Greece and it was probably one of the earliest actions to be staged there. Thus, ancient Greeks viewed the concept of revenge as a form of justice. They believed that if horrid wrongdoing was done upon them, they had the right to return the favor in whatever means they found just. In Greek mythology, individuals would demand revenge if they felt humiliated, offended and betrayed. The issue of revenge takes place in both “Medea” by Euripides and “The Odyssey” by Homer. Both protagonist Medea and Odysseus plan revenge against characters that have greatly humiliated, offended and betrayed them.
Revenge is an important underlying theme in The Odyssey because, in essence, it explains why Odysseus’ …show more content…
“You dogs! You thought I would never come home from Troy. So you wasted my house, forced the women to sleep with you, and while I was still alive you courted my wife. Without any fear of the gods in high heaven or of any retribution from the world of men. Now the net has been drawn tight around you.” This excerpt highlights Odysseus anger and justifies his action to get vengeance of those who betrayed him. “Zeus thundered loud, showing his portents and cheering the heart of the long-enduring, godlike Odysseus.” In book 20, Odysseus asks Zeus to give him a sign that he would help him come home. Then, Zeus thunder symbolizes he would give him vengeance. The slaughtering of suitors who have been vying to take over Odysseus ' estate in his absence. This revenge is deeply cathartic and comes across as more well-earned because of the trials to which Odysseus was subjected at sea before he was finally "allowed" by the gods to reclaim his …show more content…
“Believe me, though, that’s not how it will end. The newlyweds have everything at sake and the struggle await the one who made this match.” King Creon gives Medea one day to exile. Medea states, “He granted me a day to turn three dead bodies: the father, and the bride, and my own husband. Use the skills I have nature and poison them, destroy them with my drugs.” She is driven by passionate desire to right the wrongs done to her and she is determined that no man will wrong her and then live to tell about it. “I’ll ruin Jason’s household, then I’ll leave this land, I’ll flee the slaughter of my children. I will have the nerve for this unholy deed.” This excerpt highlights Medea’s plan to ruin Jason’s life by taking her children’s. Medea’s revenge leads to violence and rage when she plans to, “Send her bearing gifts, a delicate robe and a garland worked in gold. If anyone who touches her will die a painful death.” Once the princess and the kin die, she takes a sword at her children’s throat. By doing these killings, she proves that how cruel she is in her passion of
Revenge is an important underlying theme in The Odyssey because, in essence, it explains why Odysseus’ …show more content…
“You dogs! You thought I would never come home from Troy. So you wasted my house, forced the women to sleep with you, and while I was still alive you courted my wife. Without any fear of the gods in high heaven or of any retribution from the world of men. Now the net has been drawn tight around you.” This excerpt highlights Odysseus anger and justifies his action to get vengeance of those who betrayed him. “Zeus thundered loud, showing his portents and cheering the heart of the long-enduring, godlike Odysseus.” In book 20, Odysseus asks Zeus to give him a sign that he would help him come home. Then, Zeus thunder symbolizes he would give him vengeance. The slaughtering of suitors who have been vying to take over Odysseus ' estate in his absence. This revenge is deeply cathartic and comes across as more well-earned because of the trials to which Odysseus was subjected at sea before he was finally "allowed" by the gods to reclaim his …show more content…
“Believe me, though, that’s not how it will end. The newlyweds have everything at sake and the struggle await the one who made this match.” King Creon gives Medea one day to exile. Medea states, “He granted me a day to turn three dead bodies: the father, and the bride, and my own husband. Use the skills I have nature and poison them, destroy them with my drugs.” She is driven by passionate desire to right the wrongs done to her and she is determined that no man will wrong her and then live to tell about it. “I’ll ruin Jason’s household, then I’ll leave this land, I’ll flee the slaughter of my children. I will have the nerve for this unholy deed.” This excerpt highlights Medea’s plan to ruin Jason’s life by taking her children’s. Medea’s revenge leads to violence and rage when she plans to, “Send her bearing gifts, a delicate robe and a garland worked in gold. If anyone who touches her will die a painful death.” Once the princess and the kin die, she takes a sword at her children’s throat. By doing these killings, she proves that how cruel she is in her passion of