Seneca’s Medea: Euripides vs Seneca

Seneca’s Medea is classed as a ‘fabula crepidata’, a term that is used to describe a play that is a Roman tragedy that has a Greek subject. Medea depicts Medea’s vengeance against her husband Jason and King Creon.

In summary, Jason wants to climb the political ladder and so leaves Medea for Creusa – the daughter of Creon. Medea begins the play by cursing both Creusa and Creon. Creon then gives Medea only one day before she is exiled permanently and she neglects to take Jason’s advice to leave their home peacefully. Instead, Medea sends a poisoned robe to Creusa as a present on her wedding day to Jason. The Chorus then interjects by describing the rage and anger that Medea felt when she was plotting her revenge. The Chorus prays to the gods that Jason will be spared by Medea’s vengeance. Medea curses Creusa and the cursed robe she sent catches fire when she puts it on. Creon attempts to extinguish the fire but he is unsuccessful and he catches fire too. These deaths do not satisfy Medea and her vengeance only grows. Medea becomes so hurt by Jason’s betrayal that she wishes to harm him even if it costs her their children. Medea then sacrifices her children from a roof so that she hurts Jason. Medea then escapes in a dragon chariot while throwing the bodies of her sons below her. The play finishes with Jason commenting that there are no gods, because these cruel acts would have never been committed if gods survived.

Euripides vs. Seneca

Inevitably, Euripides’ Medea shares various similarities with Seneca’s version of the play. However, both plays are different in varying significant ways.

Seneca’s Medea was written later than Euripides’ version. Seneca’s version depicts his Medea as a character who shows a dramatic awareness of having to grow into her traditional, as such, role.

Additionally, Seneca begins his play with Medea expressing her hatred of Jason and Creon. In contrast, Euripides introduces Medea later on, where she complains to her nurse of the injustices she has faced with Jason and Creon.

In Euripides version, the chorus are sympathetic towards Medea. However, in Seneca’s version, the chorus reflect an objective position, which thereby demonstrates a Stoic morality.

The final part of the play is vastly different. In Seneca’s version, Medea does not blame Jason for the death of their children, as she kills one of her sons in front of Jason and blames herself for the death. But in Euripides’ version, Medea does the complete opposite. Medea blames Jason and does not feel any guilt for her actions.

In Seneca’s version, Jason is depicted as a much more appealing figure, resulting in strengthening Medea’s passion.

Finally, due to the increased stage violence in Seneca’s version and its added gruesomeness, it has consequently been led to be seen as a coarser and more sensationalist version of Euripides’ play.