Medea: Essays on Medea in Myth, Literature, Philosophy, and Art

by James J. Clauss (Editor), Sarah Iles Johnston (Editor)

From the dawn of European literature, the figure of Medea--best known as the helpmate of Jason and murderer of her own children--has inspired artists in all fields throughout all centuries. Euripides, Seneca, Corneille, Delacroix, Anouilh, Pasolini, Maria Callas, Martha Graham, Samuel Barber, and Diana Rigg are among the many who have given Medea life on stage, film, and canvas, through music and dance, from ancient Greek drama to Broadway. In seeking to understand the powerful hold Medea has had on our imaginations for nearly three millennia, a group of renowned scholars here examines the major representations of Medea in myth, art, and ancient and contemporary literature, as well as the philosophical, psychological, and cultural questions these portrayals raise. The result is a comprehensive and nuanced look at one of the most captivating mythic figures of all time.


Unlike most mythic figures, whose attributes remain constant throughout mythology, Medea is continually changing in the wide variety of stories that circulated during antiquity. She appears as enchantress, helper-maiden, infanticide, fratricide, kidnapper, founder of cities, and foreigner. Not only does Medea's checkered career illuminate the opposing concepts of self and other, it also suggests the disturbing possibility of otherness within self. In addition to the editors, the contributors include Fritz Graf, Nita Krevans, Jan Bremmer, Dolores M. O'Higgins, Deborah Boedeker, Carole E. Newlands, John M. Dillon, Martha C. Nussbaum, Christiane Sourvinou-Inwood, and Marianne McDonald.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology, Greek Mythology

376 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 1996

Reviews

[Jeremiah Genest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good collection on the treatment of this pivotal figure from mythology. The collection of 12 essays does a good job covering Medea's mythic history from antiquity to the twentieth century and her reception in literary and art history; and explores how Medea's complexity continues to challenge our imaginations, confront our deepest feelings, and make us realize "that behind the delicate order we have sought to impose upon our world lurks chaos."

[Brenna]

This one will be on my currently reading shelf for awhile, so no sarcastic messages please. It is full of rather academic but very interesting essays so I only read it when I'm in the mood.

Update: SO I haven't read them all yet, but there is some great work in here. At times a little too heavy on academic lingo or overly feminist theory but if you're a fan of Medea (and what self-respecting woman isn't) try out some of the essays.