Anagnorisis in King Creon and Glauce Medea

Throughout the play "Medea" by Euripides, the concept of anagnorisis, or the moment of recognition, plays a significant role in the development of the characters and the overall narrative. One of the key moments of anagnorisis occurs when Antigone attributes the cause of her family's misery to King Creon and Glauce. This essay will explore the significance of this attribution and its implications for the characters and the audience. By examining Antigone's perspective and the consequences of her recognition, it becomes clear that the actions of Creon and Glauce are indeed responsible for the family's tragic downfall.

In the text, Antigone repeatedly blames Creon and Glauce for the misery that has befallen her family. She first mentions this attribution in Act 1, Scene 2, when she confronts Creon about his decision to marry Glauce, her former friend and confidante. Antigone argues that this marriage is the root cause of her family's suffering, as it has led to the betrayal of her trust and the destruction of her relationship with Glauce. She states, "It is your marriage that has brought ruin upon my family. You have torn apart the bonds of friendship and loyalty, leaving only pain and sorrow in its wake" (Euripides, 1.2).

This attribution is further reinforced in Act 2, Scene 3, when Antigone confronts Glauce directly. She accuses Glauce of being the cause of her family's misery, stating, "You, Glauce, have brought this upon us. Your selfish desires and betrayal have led to the downfall of our once happy family. You have chosen to prioritize your own happiness over the well-being of others, and now we all suffer the consequences" (Euripides, 2.3).

These instances of attribution highlight the recognition of the characters' actions and their consequences. Antigone identifies Creon and Glauce as the catalysts for the family's tragic downfall, acknowledging that their choices and behaviors have directly led to the misery they now face. This recognition is a crucial aspect of the play, as it serves to deepen the audience's understanding of the characters and their motivations.

Furthermore, the consequences of this recognition are significant for both the characters and the audience. For Antigone, this moment of anagnorisis prompts her to seek revenge and take matters into her own hands. She becomes consumed by a desire for justice and retribution, leading her to commit heinous acts that further perpetuate the cycle of tragedy within the play.

For the audience, the attribution of blame to Creon and Glauce serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of selfishness and betrayal. It highlights the destructive power of individual desires and the impact they can have on others. This recognition prompts the audience to reflect on their own actions and consider the potential consequences of their choices.

In conclusion, the attribution of blame to King Creon and Glauce by Antigone in "Medea" is a crucial aspect of the play. It serves as a moment of recognition for the characters and prompts them to confront the consequences of their actions. This recognition has significant implications for both the characters and the audience, as it deepens their understanding of the narrative and highlights the destructive power of selfishness and betrayal. By examining Antigone's perspective and the consequences of her recognition, it becomes clear that Creon and Glauce are indeed responsible for the family's tragic downfall.

Works Cited

Euripides. "Medea." Translated by Diane Arnson Svarlien, Hackett Publishing Company, 2008.