A Case of Reception of the Ancient Greek Medea of Euripides: When Medea of Euripides Meets Medea of Anouilh and of Bostantzoglou

The Archetype of Medea has been thoroughly examined and Medea has been identified as a symbol of darkness, vengeance and ferocity. Meticulous analysis of Euripides’ Medea reveals a multi-dimensional personality, a divine creature, skillful, alluring and human in her essence. The article aims to examine how Euripides’ character and speech were perceived by playwrights Jean Anouilh and Mentis Bostantzoglou (better known under the pen name of Bost). All three pieces of literature discuss the eternal themes of love, vengeance, motherhood, betrayal and moral ethics. Euripides, Anouilh and Bost showed fidelity to the myth of The Argonauts, drawing on its symbols and archetypes. Nevertheless, considering the historical era in which the dramatists created their plays, we could discern the adaptations they made in order to diversify the messages they intended to communicate. Anouilh, who was mainly affected by the Second World War, presents a more humanized Medea, sentimental and totally absorbed in her erotic passion for Jason. Medea becomes completely annihilated at the end of the play as the loss of her children leads to the end of her life. Bost reveals a hilarious Medea and the parody revolves around her and the other characters showcasing all traits of modern Greek society in the 20th century. All these varied approaches determine and deepen our belief in Medea’s unique strong personality and the timelessness of human condition.