How Does Euripides Present Betrayal In Medea

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In this Greek play Medea by Euripides, the author portrays the motif of betrayal, injustice and revenge. Medea is a strong hearted woman who would do anything for the ones she loves. She will betray her family, her country and leave the home she has known for someone she loves. In this play, one will read that betrayal quite often happens and seems like a way of life, to survive. In this play the audience also will begin to understand the importance of loyalty. With the lack of loyalty, people can change and do things that are not thought of as sane. Euripides wants to show through Medea’s character how betrayal and revenge can fuel tragedy. Medea’s first act of betrayal is directed at her own family. In the beginning of the play we encounter Medea crying and moaning in …show more content…
Medea’s act of killing her children is quite appalling to most, but Medeas logic brings clarity to her decision. The revenge Medea conflicts to the Princess and Creon, will be known everywhere. By killing herself and leaving her children behind would be an act of betrayal because Medea’s sons will take the blame. No matter that their mother has committed the crime, they will be punished and cast away by the people, for the revenge Medea executed. As Medea speaks her plan to the chorus, she states “Need after that; for I shall kill my own children. My children, there is none who can give them safety” (Euripides 26).This quote shows the protection Medea wants cast upon her children. Medea knows that no one will take care of her sons, so as a mother she makes the decision to end their life. By going through this, Medeas not only protect her children but also get the revenge she has been seeking. The revenge to take everything away from her husband Jason and leave him abandoned. This tragedy shows the amount of pain betrayal can cause and the extent some can go to soothe the pain they
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