Euripides: Medea

by William Allan

Euripides' "Medea" is one of the greatest and most influential Greek tragedies. This book outlines the development of the Medea myth before Euripides and explores his uniquely powerful version from various angles. There are chapters on the play's relationship to the gender politics of fifth-century Athens, Medea's status as a barbarian, and the complex moral and emotional impact of her revenge. Particular attention is paid to the tragic effect of Medea's great monologue and the significance of her role as a divine avenger. The book ends by considering the varied and fascinating reception of Euripides' play from antiquity to the present day.

Genres: Classics, Nonfiction, Plays

143 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

William R. Allan is a Scottish classicist specializing in Greek epic and tragedy, particularly the plays of Euripides. He is currently McConnell Laing Fellow and Tutor in Greek and Latin Languages and Literature at University College, Oxford and Professor of Greek, Faculty of Classics, University of Oxford. He was formerly Assistant Professor of Classics at Harvard University.

Reviews

[jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

bloody and 'hand'sy, female rage, female devastation according to a woman's 'purpose' of home and marriage. a story of a bright woman with a murderous instinct followed at all costs, including deception.

[ak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly basic, and not always as thoroughly substantiated as I would have liked, but in all a good overview of the play.

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman takes revenge over her lover's betrayal in the most brutal way she can imagine. Yet she is not portrayed as a cartoon villain. Euripides makes her response horrifying but understandable.

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is really dense and there is so much useful information inside.

[Apoorva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letto per un esame.

[sude · Rating 4 out of 5]

we need to be like her to accomplish somethings