Medea

The story of revenge. In this greek tragedy written by Euripides the story of a cheated wife is told. Euripides alongside Aeschylus and Sophocles is the most famous tragedian of ancient greek theatre. You can think of Euripides as the least favorite of the golden trio in his age. Since he was younger than them he was more prone to write in a different manner than others. His style and plots tended to be rather modernized which raised some eyebrows at the time. However, today he is one of the most beloved since the modern audience can find bits and pieces to relate to.

So, Medea... The play which was staged countless times over the centuries is a simple yet staggering story. Medea, who has left her country behind after betraying her family to be with her now-husband Iason is baffled by the news that her husband has married the daughter of the King. Therefore, she decides to take her revenge with a plan that ends up with her poisoning the King and the princess and murdering her children. This terrifying outcome is obviously led by Medea's blind vengeance. This made me think for a second. Does it really worth it? When someone crosses you and breaks your heart or pride or both, will hurt them back makes the pain ease? In a case of such, which one makes a louder noise; shattering everything into little pieces and making a big scene or simply leaving in silence? This is a question I've wondered about for a long time. No matter what is the reason and the outcome, I believe leaving on your tiptoes after everyone falls asleep will darken the very next morning and every other morning following that. And if the person you left is worthy of your love and forgiveness will do anything to win you back. There you go, the perfect way to test the bond you have with a person. It's a win-win situation, isn't it? Revenge, though, it's never the answer. It will haunt you back and darken your heart. If you ask me, no one is precious more than your heart. Medea, here lost her home, her children, her everything. She seems fine but the darkness she carries should be too heavy for a mere mortal. I am not even talking about the remorse she damned herself to. She better never wakes up from this frenzy because the world she's going to wake up to is torturing loneliness.

Though, do not evaluate her solemnly based on my words. Apart from all this drama, Medea is a strong female character. She is important because she is a victim of the patriarchy. She survives in this world that is not made for her to survive, and this is not nothing. The way she survives just didn't sit well with me and probably everyone else who read it. However, she should be recognized for not playing the victim as well. Under the domination of damsel in distress she was her own knight in shining.

Well, I definitely had one or two things to say about this play and would love to hear if you have to. So, next time you're in a book store, maybe check if they have Medea and see it for yourself.