Is Medea A Hero Or A Villain

‘Medea’ a tragic Greek play written by Euripides focuses on the importance of the patriarchal society within Greece during this period and the impacts of male power on those regarded of lower respect such as women. Medea at first glance appears to be the sole villain in the play however it is evident that Jason is the villain supported by a strong patriarchal society, and with Medea merely falling victim to their actions. Male dominance throughout the play is what Euripides highlights as the true cause of Medea’s revenge and thus the true cause of becoming villain in ‘Medea’ not Medea herself. Jason has selfish ambitions that ultimately stem from his association with the patriarchal society, and his decision to leave Medea and their sons relied heavily on his position as a male which is a truly evil and villainous act.

Within Ancient Greece it was recognised that males were superior to females and Euripides further presents this within the play. The patriarchal society within Greek society fuelled males ambitions and betrayal, the Nurse at the beginning of the play identifies Jason’s selfishness, ‘Jason has betrayed his own sons and my mistress for a royal bed’ yet this was not an
Jason’s egotism is evident in the beginning of Medea and his relationship, whilst seeking the ‘golden’ fleece he uses Medea and her goddess powers to help him retrieve it. Once Jason saw no further use for Medea he moves on the the princess of Corinth Glauce, ‘Your services, so far as they went, were well enough’. If the patriarchal society did not exist within this period Jason would not have been able to have left Medea so suddenly without fear of revenge. However during this time it was unheard of a woman to retaliate against a males actions and therefore Jason was too blind to think that Medea would ‘hatch some unheard of