From sorceress to symbol: Euripides Medea’s role in shaping literary views of women in feminist literary jurisprudence

Abstract

[eng] This thesis examines the intersection of mythcriticism, literature, law, and feminism through the lens of Euripides’ Medea. It investigates how Medea’s story, originally a critique of patriarchal power structures in ancient Greece, has been reinterpreted by English authors in different historical periods, including Early Modern, Victorian, and contemporary eras. By exploring these literary adaptations, the research highlights Medea’s enduring relevance to contemporary issues of gender inequality, justice, and female agency. The study aims to contribute to the field of feminist literary jurisprudence by demonstrating how classical myths can inform and inspire legal and social reforms. Through a detailed analysis of various literary texts, this work illustrates the transformative power of narrative in addressing and challenging gendered legal norms.