Misgynism or Photo-Feminism - Essay Example

In particular, Medea and Hippolytus are two of the great Greek tragedies that contain revolutionary social concepts that appear threatening to the male population of classical Athens. In Aristophanes’ Thesmophoriazusai, Euripides is portrayed as a playwright who writes vicious slander against women. To better understand the reason behind this is to first look at the portrayal of men and women in the ancient Greek literary tradition. Ancient Greek literature provides a wide array of tragedies that present crucial ideas regarding the private and public spheres.

Majority of the female characters in tragedies are associated with the private sphere, while most of the male characters are associated with the public sphere (Rabinowitz, 1993, p.93-4). Therefore, one way of developing an understanding of the portrayal of women in Medea and Hippolytus is to look at how Euripides decides to explore the idea of crossing the borders of these two spheres. Cultural Context in 5th Century B.C. Athens Ancient Greece is a patriarchal society. Women are considered to have strong emotional strength but poor intellectual capacity.

They should be guarded even from themselves, and if necessary, should be incapacitated. Women then could own properties through inheritance, but could not buy anything. They could not participate in public ceremonies, and are married off at an early age for the purpose of having someone manage her properties and allow her to MISOGYNISM OR PROTO-FEMINISM? 3 produce heirs. She is expected to remain inside the house, and the best among them are those who scarcely speak (Rabinowitz, 1993, p.101-2).

These give readers a general overview of the inferior status of women in ancient Greece, and the main female characters in Medea and Hippolytus will be compared against these societal standards, if not in particular, at least in general. Medea Medea’s opening speech is Euripides’ attempt to criticize the existing norms in the society and his sympathy with the status of women during that era. The speech reflects a contemporary reality that is still relevant to the status of women in today’s world: “Jason has betrayed my / lady and his own children for a princess’ bed…And Medea, poor / lady, dishonoured in this way, cries out” (Medea 18-21).

Also, Medea is portrayed as an intelligent, independent, and strong woman: “she may hatch some unheard-of scheme. She is no ordinary / woman; no one making an enemy of her will win an easy / victory, take it from me” (Medea 40-2) The opening speech alone is enough to give her these characteristics. Medea knows her capabilities as a woman. She does not believe that the staying at home is a weakness. She argues that childbirth is tougher than fighting in wars. “They say we live / sheltered lives in the home, free from danger, while they wield / their spears in battle --- what fools they are!

” (Medea 248-50). After discovering her husband’s infidelity, Medea’s heated argument with Jason is filled with words that can be considered too rough for a lady during her time. Yet, her disposition can be considered liberating especially for the “oppressed females” during that era. “You unspeakable wretch… / distinguishing bad from good? ”