Binary Opposition In Euripides - 1203 Words

Binary Opposition in the Works of Euripides Binary opposition, as defined by Corey Marvin â€Å"simply describes a pair of theoretical opposites or thematic contrasts.† Euripides uses binary opposition as an effective literary device in both the Medea and the Bacchae. One of the overarching dichotomies in both works is masculinity versus femininity. In the Medea, the protagonist flips the gender roles, and in the Bacchae, Dionysus’ androgynous nature allows him to often adopt a feminine persona in the play. Many binary oppositions are encompassed in that of masculinity versus femininity, a few of which are aggressiveness versus docility, intelligence versus ignorance, and the understandable versus the mysterious. Medea exhibits typical†¦show more content†¦These women, who are typically docile and reserved are the complete opposite while worshiping Dionysus. They dance, make music and even hunt and kill animals with their bare hands, (Bacchae 736-737). . it is the Bacchae who kill Pentheus, dismissing forever the idea that they are purely domestic. As the messenger relays, â€Å"[a]ll the women, with blood spattered hands, were playing ball with Pentheus’ flesh† (1135). In the Medea, the dichotomy of intelligence versus ignorance is shown when the protagonists cunning is severely underestimated by all those around her. Jason believes that she is foolish for carrying on as she does; he says, â€Å"[y]ou women have come to such a point to think, if things go right in bed, you have everything,† (569-570) but he misses that she is angry about her station in life and intends to change it. As Shirley A Barlow explains in â€Å"Stereotype and Reversal in the Medea,† The protagonist is â€Å"aware of more than the fact that she suffers and injustice. She is aware that the root cause is beyond herself.† (Barlow 160). Creon seems to glimpse what she is capable of when he tells her that he fears her (282), but he s till allows her to stay in Corinth for one more day, (355-6) proving that he is ignorant after all. Medea is far more clever than the men around her and she knows how to manipulate them. When she appeals to Creon (340) and laterShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Medea And The Bacchae 1325 Words   |  6 PagesIn Euripides’ plays, Medea and The Bacchae, binary oppositions are present, such as the opposition between man and god, foreigner and citizen, and men and women. Binary oppositions are opposing terms that are put head to head in a piece of literature to show contrasting ideas (Marvin, 1). Binary oppositions can also be â€Å"good vs. bad,† such as in the case of man and god. The first binary opposition that is present in both plays is man and god. Marvin describes binary oppositions as being againstRead MoreComparison Between The Bacchae and The Medea1010 Words   |  5 Pages In Euripides’ The Bacchae and in the Medea, there are significant binary oppositions in both plays. Binary opposition is the two opposite terms, such as good versus bad. Binary opposition is used to present both sides of a contrast (Marvin, 1). In The Bacchae and the Medea, Euripides used binary opposition to highlight the central themes. The significant binary oppositions that are used are men versus women, foreigner versus citizen, and god versus man. The contrast betweenRead More Binary Oppisition Essay1035 Words   |  5 PagesBinary Opposition In Greek tragedy there are many themes that are contrasted with each other. This is known as binary opposition, which s defined as a contrast of themes that are the opposite poles of each other. There are many conflicts in Euripides’ Medea and Bacchae: perhaps the three most conspicuous oppositions are rational versus irrational, foreigner versus natives, and stereotypical dichotomy of female and male. The first binary opposite in Euripides plays are rational versus irrationalRead MoreBinary Oppositions Vs. Evil1190 Words   |  5 Pagessee a connection between characters, plots, themes? One thing you might not have noticed is binary oppositions. Now all readers will see some universal oppositions such as good vs. evil, but as Corey Martin said in his paper there are many oppositions in literature, some are noticeable, some are not. Now why would a reader want to look for binary oppositions in literature? Quite simply binary oppositions add some familiarity to the work, but at the same time the reader has to analyze the work inRead MoreThematic Antithesis in Greek Tragedies Essay1358 Words   |  6 PagesThematic Antithesis in Greek Tragedies The binary oppositions in Euripides plays, Medea and Bacchae, emphasize the structural techniques seen throughout both of the plays works are â€Å"[described as] a pair of theoretical opposites or thematic contrasts† (Marvin 1). The themes are highly symmetrical throughout and typical of the structure of Greek tragedies. Euripides use of thematic antithesis gives greater irony within Greek plays. The gender roles of female and male challenge the traditional stereotypicalRead MoreConflict Between Male And Female Characters2154 Words   |  9 Pagespromote the very ideology of difference they expose as arbitrary.’ (B. Freedman) In both tragedy and comedy, conflict between male and female characters can often be found at the crux of the theatrical narrative. In plays that present on-stage opposition between men and women, it can be perceived that a typical set narrative structure is followed: the actions performed by male characters incite women to castoff the role of passivity and impose their presence on stage . As a result of lapsing intoRead MoreAnalysis Of Macbeth And Medea Essay1331 Words   |  6 Pagesthe error in the way we think, our self-awareness, which is our greatest blessing, is also our downfall.† In this particular quotation, Beck explores the bias of the human psyche and its ability to favor personal hankerings over logic and morale. â€Å"Euripides introduced psychological realism into ancient Greek drama through characters like Medea, whose motives are confused, complex, and ultimately driven by passion† (Galens and Spampinato para. 1). This one-sided battle of wills is portrayed throughout