From the article: Euripides' Bacchae Study Questions
Euripides is referred to as a misogynist, yet he often portrays strong women, like Medea. In The Bacchae, the women are physically strong, under Dionysus' power. Misogynists are often thought to fear women more than hate them. Can you argue for or against Euripides as a misogynist? Please cite examples and specific tragedies. State Your Case
Looking at Medea
- Medea says, "we women are the most unfortunate...first, we need a husband...then comes the crucial struggle: this husband we've selected, is he good or bad?" To my mind this is the classic statement of marriage from a woman's point of view. "Men tell us we live safe and secure at home, while they must go into battle with their spears. How stupid they are! I'd rather stand there three times in battle holding up my shield than give birth once." It seems to me that he has a lot of sympathy for the plight of the women in his writing. Can a man who fears women write this point of view so accurately? "I was carried off, a trophy from a barbarian country. I have no mother, brother, or relation to shelter with in this extremity." Seems to me that Euripides understands exactly what a typical wife goes through. So my answer is "no", he's not a misogynist.
- —Guest Gordon Clason
