Medea Are Celebrated Piece of Literature That Have Existed for Centuries

There are some literary works that are timeless and their characters, plots, and outcomes will never be forgotten. What makes these stories so memorable? Could it possibly be the author’s indication of friendship, heroism, or revenge that makes these stories relatable to the reader? Throughout the years, many playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Euripides have immortalized the escapades of men and women through renowned works of epic writings. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, The Epic of Gilgamesh, and Medea are celebrated pieces of literature that have existed for centuries.

Though it is true that young Hamlet and King Gilgamesh may have been deemed heroes for their actions, neither of their stories end happily. As our class reads each of the legendary literature, we discovered that the novelists are more in sync with civilization of this present day than we first understood. Each writing substantiates that loyalty to others, deception, and revenge have existed for years on end and are relevant to today’s society.

The Epic of Gilgamesh focuses on some of the same values we hold self-evident today: friendship, morality, and death. From childhood, we are taught how to make friends, the value of honesty, and are groomed to distinguish between the differences of right from wrong. In this age old writing, Enkidu teaches King Gilgamesh that sleeping with other men’s wives before they have the opportunity to do so is wrong and has to end. Not only does the king learn a valuable lesson from Enkidu, but this experience also causes him to see things from a new perspective.

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Although the initial meeting of the two mighty men started off with a huge disagreement, the fight blossomed into an unbreakable bromance that is built on great allegiance and trust. During their epic adventures, the duo accomplishes several courageous and unforgettable feats together until Enkidu’s untimely demise. The death of his beloved comrade causes Gilgamesh to lament and become more aware of his own mortality. In this ancient text, the author makes the assertions that no human is invincible and death is unavoidable. Death and grief are inevitable and everyone must come to terms with these incidences one day. Regardless of the era, we all desire some form of friendship and devotion even if it is for a short time.

William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragic story intertwined in a web of treachery and revenge. It remains relevant in today’s society due to its observations of immorality and deception. During the play, King Claudius poisons his brother, King Hamlet in order to marry Queen Gertrude and rule over the kingdom of Elsinore. Prince Hamlet is so disgusted with his mother and paternal uncle’s actions that he pretends to have sporadic fits of insanity in order to vindicate himself and the death of his father. He adamantly expresses his disapproval of the “incestuous” marriage to his associates and anyone who will listen. Hamlet’s views may coincide with how youth may feel about their parents remarrying a relative today. Blended families may cause a child to feel an overwhelming display of emotions, thus causing discord in the family. Also, Claudius allowed his egotism to cloud his judgement for the sake of political recognition. In present times, political corruption is more prevalent and has become a normalcy. Our leaders have hidden agendas and are manipulative and selfish just as Claudius was in order to get what he wanted. Shakespeare eloquently illustrates the end result one may endure for their wrongdoings may be deadly.

William Congreve once wrote “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned/Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.” Women’s lives are usually represented by the roles they choose or have enforced on them and even though Euripides wrote Medea thousands of years ago, any woman that has ever been wronged by a lover can identify with her character. Medea is a great example of a woman that places her husband’s wishes over her own. Prior to their marriage, she assists her beloved Jason steal the Golden Fleece then conspires to have Pelias murdered in hopes of proving her devotion to him. After marital bliss, she also gives her spouse, two children that she ultimately decides to kill due to the consequences of her companion’s actions. The character Medea represents implies she is emotionally unstable and takes drastic measures to inflict pain on Jason. She wants him to know just betrayal feels and not be able to do anything about it. Medea’s sentiment is similar to the logic of women today.

Through the years of storytelling, the Epic of Gilgamesh, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and Medea has become significant pieces of literature in modern culture and discuss ideas that are relevant today. Shakespeare and Euripides prove that deception and revenge have existed for centuries and teaches the dangers of practicing such acts. Also, the author of the Epic of Gilgamesh demonstrates the lesson of true friendship, death, and grief. Although the plots were written decades ago, the story line of each writing still manages to captivate the reader’s attention with the suspense, drama, and adventure. Each character goes through a life changing event that is identifiable with its reader. I identified the most with Medea’s character because unrequited love can make an individual behave unseemly. I wonder what Jason would have done if Medea wronged him.