Who wrote the play "Medea," notable for its unconventional ending?

Prepare for the CLEP Western Civilization 1 Test with our interactive quizzes and insightful explanations. Boost your readiness with well-designed questions and essential historical insights!

The play "Medea" was written by Euripides, and it stands out in classical literature for its atypical conclusion, which challenges traditional notions of morality and justice. In "Medea," the protagonist, driven by betrayal and vengeance, takes extreme actions that defy societal norms—most notably, the murder of her own children as a means of revenge against her unfaithful husband, Jason. This act contrasts sharply with the more conventional resolutions typically seen in Greek tragedies, where characters often face a form of poetic justice or divine retribution.

Euripides is recognized for his psychological insight into characters, often portraying them in complex, morally ambiguous situations. "Medea" is a prime example of this, as it explores themes of passion, betrayal, and the position of women in society. The play leaves the audience grappling with difficult questions about agency, punishment, and the consequences of vengeance, which was a significant departure from the themes of fate and honor prevalent in works by other playwrights from that era.

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