Comparative Analysis of the Power Between Medea and Oedipus

Abstract

This paper gives a comparative analysis of the concept of power through two characters in Greek tragedy: Oedipus by Sophocles and Medea by Euripides. Both figures demonstrate a unique use of power, which inevitably leads to tragic endings. Oedipus is a noble king trapped by his own fate. He wields power in the political area but is blinded by his search for truth and self-discovery. This ultimately leads to unexpected personal and social disasters. In contrast, Medea is a strong woman who uses personal as well as her supernatural powers to impose devastating revenge on the unjust patriarchal society that betrayed her. This analysis seeks to reveal the small differences of their power, such as its origins, manifestations, and effects, within their social and narrative contexts. Through the examination of the two characters' different attitudes to power and their outcomes, this paper is a deeper understanding of the nature of power and its significant impact in Greek tragedy, highlighting the tragic flaws and social critiques lied in these books.