Book Brief
116
Play • Fiction
Corinth, Greece • Classical Antiquity
49
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Medea by Seneca recounts the story of Medea, who, feeling betrayed after her husband Jason abandons her to marry the Corinthian princess, Creusa, plots a dramatic and bloody revenge. Medea uses poisoned gifts to kill Creusa and Creon, and ultimately, she kills her own children before escaping Corinth on a chariot summoned through her magical powers. The play includes references to the violent death of children.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,999 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Seneca's Medea showcases intense emotions and tragic themes. Critics praise its potent dialogue and psychological depth, capturing Medea's vengeful anguish vividly. However, some find the language overly complex and the pace uneven. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of human wrath and suffering.
Who Should Read Medea?
Readers who appreciate Medea by Seneca typically enjoy classical literature, Greek tragedies, and philosophical themes. Comparable to fans of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Euripides' Medea, these readers are often intrigued by intense emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas within a historical context.
3,999 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
116
Play • Fiction
Corinth, Greece • Classical Antiquity
49
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.