Barbarians
BarbariansThe term "Barbarian" is Greek in origin. The Greeks originally levied it at any races who were not of a Greek origin; especially those who threatened Greek civilization and culture. Because most of these "strangers" regularly assaulted Greek cities, the term "barbarian" gradually evolved into a rude term: a person who was a sub-human, uncivilized, and regularly practiced the most vile and inhuman acts imaginable. It is obvious that a barbarian has not been considered as a member of society as well as a woman in Ancient Greece. In many Greek tragedies that we have read women either play a secondary role or absent at all. That is why it is so unusual to read a tragedy where woman is a main character and not only that � a woman is a foreigner, a barbarian. Euripides�s "Medea" was created in a period of Peloponesian War. Each war, regardless of the century it occurred, not only destroyed and killed but also caused the reappraisal of the values in the society. Literature, in Ancient Greece, used to be a main reflection of what the society thinks what values and rules it has and what impact the war had on people�s minds. Obviously, the Peloponesian War has brought a lot of stress and chaos into the society, so during this time some poets have foreseen the intellectual revolution. Euripides, however, was the first one who created the play where he opposed a barbarian to someone "civilized"; he has his Medea confront Jason. The civilized Jason is more barbaric in his emotional callousness than the barbarian Medea, but by the end of the play she exacts a barbaric penalty. The Nurse calls Medea a "strange woman." She is anything but typical. Euripides admits from the outset that this is a bizarre tale of an exceptional human being. Lest she may sharpen a sword an thrust to the heart, Stealing into the palace where the bed is made, Or even kill the king and the new-wedded groom, And thus bring a greater misfortune on herself. Two great pains tear Medea: the betrayal of Jason and her betrayal of her country and family (and consequent exile). The two are interwoven and double her sorrow. Guilt, loneliness, rejection, love, all war within her. Ah, I have suffered What should be wept for bitterly. I hate you, Children of a hateful mother. I curse you And your father. Let the whole house crash. Of course Medea is barbarian, she came from a different country, she is violent and everyone knows that she posses the unique and in somewhat supernatural power that can make people to do things her way. These characteristics correspond to the definition of barbarian in the Ancient Greece. On the other hand, we realize that the part of her power is her intellect, which is not barbarians� own distinctive feature. People, including the king, are afraid of Medea. Kreon: I am afraid of you, - why should I dissemble it? - I believe their...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.