In looking at only two characters in Greek writings; Oedipus from Oedipus the King written by Sophocles and Medea from Medea written by Euripides, we can see two different reactions to adversity in tragedy. ... (Euripides 642). ... Medea's mental state is further pushed to the edge when Kreon speaks with her and commands, "I order you to leave my territories an exile, and take along with you your two children" (Euripides 648). ... Within moments the results are relayed by a messenger, "Medea, you who have done such a dreadful thing, so outrageous, run for your life, take what you can, a ...

• Word Count: 2458
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

As ancient drama was an institution of Democracy, the great tragic poets Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides as well as the comedian Aristophanes elevated public debate and political criticism to a level of aesthetic achievement. Euripides and the ethologist Menandros, in the thriving years of Alexandria and later on during the Roman domination, reached a beau ideal level and through the Romans managed to form Western Theater, from Renascence and thereafter. ... Of the more than 1000 tragedies written during that century, only 31 remain, all by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. ... As the...

• Word Count: 2321
• Approx Pages: 9

Jason in Euripides's Medea deserts his family for a new marriage which he hopes will further his station, but his old wife kills his new wife and his children, ending his hopes for a shining future. ... God indeed, when in anger, brings greater ruin to people's houses," says the nurse in the beginning of Euripides's play Medea (119-130). She is foreshadowing the theme of the story and Euripides is voicing his message plainly through her. ... His first wife, Medea, is a powerful woman who has no place to go, so she becomes desperate. ... Even now I know that I am making a mistake...

• Word Count: 1999
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School