Medea (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)
One of the most powerful and enduring of Greek tragedies, Medea centers on the myth of Jason, leader of the Argonauts, who has won the dragon-guarded treasure of the Golden Fleece with the help of the sorceress Medea. Having married Medea and fathered her two children, Jason abandons her for a more favorable match, never suspecting the terrible revenge she will take.
Euripides' masterly portrayal of the motives fiercely driving Medea's pursuit of vengeance for her husband's insult and betrayal has held theater audiences spellbound for more than twenty centuries. Rex Warner's authoritative translation brings this great classic of world literature vividly to life.
Euripides' masterly portrayal of the motives fiercely driving Medea's pursuit of vengeance for her husband's insult and betrayal has held theater audiences spellbound for more than twenty centuries. Rex Warner's authoritative translation brings this great classic of world literature vividly to life.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
No matter what she does, I side with Medea. She was right! By both ancient greek and today's standards she gave Jason, her children, and the ruling family all the chances to be respectful and decent and happy, but no! She has to do the will of the gods on earth, balancing Justice like a sorceress Jesus Christ!
So many amazing lines!
“Better a humble heart, a lowly life. Untouched by greatness let me live - and live. Not too little, not too much: there safety lies.”
“For of mortals, there is no one who is happy. If wealth flows in upon one, one may be perhaps Luckier than one’s neighbor, but still not happy.”
“And I do not fear to say that those who are held Wise among men and who search the reasons of things Are those who bring the most sorrow on themselves.”
And though this quote remains mostly true, I wonder how much Judaism and Christianity changed the balance of this:
“It's human; we all put self-interest first.”
“Better a humble heart, a lowly life. Untouched by greatness let me live - and live. Not too little, not too much: there safety lies.”
“For of mortals, there is no one who is happy. If wealth flows in upon one, one may be perhaps Luckier than one’s neighbor, but still not happy.”
“And I do not fear to say that those who are held Wise among men and who search the reasons of things Are those who bring the most sorrow on themselves.”
And though this quote remains mostly true, I wonder how much Judaism and Christianity changed the balance of this:
“It's human; we all put self-interest first.”
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.