Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Preparation Guide for Exam Success

Euripides' "Medea" is classified as a tragedy due to its exploration of profound themes such as betrayal, revenge, and the extreme emotions associated with the human experience. In ancient Greek theatre, tragedies often center around a central character facing significant challenges or moral dilemmas that lead to their downfall. "Medea" delves deeply into the psyche of its titular character, portraying her intense feelings of anger and sorrow after being wronged by her husband, Jason.

The tragic elements in "Medea" are highlighted by the play’s focus on the consequences of the characters' actions, the emotional turmoil of the protagonist, and the ultimate tragic fate that results from her decisions. The play's structure, characterized by a serious tone and significant moral questions, aligns it with the conventions of Greek tragedy, distinguishing it from other genres such as comedy or epic literature, which may focus more on humor or grand narratives, respectively. Lyric poetry would not typically involve a narrative-driven format like "Medea," further confirming its classification as a tragedy.