Thematic Antithesis in Greek TragediesThe binary oppositions in Euripides' plays, Medea and Bacchae, emphasize the structural techniques seen in both plays are "[described as] a pair of theoretical opposites or thematic contrasts” (Marvin 1). The themes are highly symmetrical and typical of the structure of Greek tragedies. Euripides' use of thematic antithesis lends greater irony within the Greek works. Female and male gender roles challenge the traditional stereotypical roles observed in Greek society, and when such roles are crossed or blurred, the rational becomes irrational and the order of civilized Greek society itself falls into disorder. Euripides manipulates characters through contrast. , to explore or challenge the gender roles of female and male behavior in Greek society through the stereotypes established in his plays. In the play Medea, we observe the protagonist challenge the traditional patriarchal system of Greek society and gain power throughout the play by using the stereotype of female behavior to manipulate males (Barlow 163). We observe this through his manipulation of King Creon. The king states, “I command you to leave this land”[;] she is then able to manipulate the king, successfully, for another day (272). Empowerment through this exchange is seen when the king states, "[Why] are you applying force, refusing to release my hand?" (339) This line is the first sign of Medea taking control of her destiny, no longer allowing males to determine it for her. As Barlow points out, "Medea's ability to" [dissociate] herself not only from female stereotypes as they are commonly accepted by both women and men, but more importantly...middle of paper...destruction behind. His use of binary oppositions emphasizes the tragedy of his characters and those around them. Work Cited Barlow, Shirley. "Stereotypes and inversions in Euripides' Medea". Greece and Rome 2nd ser. 36.2 (1989):158-71. Print.Euripides. Bacchae. Ed and trad. Stefano Esposito. Euripides: Four plays: Medea, Hippolytus, Heracles, Bacchae. Newburyport, MA: Focus, 2004. 203-67. PrintEuripides. Medea. Trans. AJ Podlecki. Euripides: Four plays: Medea, Hippolytus, Heracles, Bacchae. Ed. Stefano Esposito. Newburyport, MA: Focus, 2004. 35-92. PrintHamilton, Carole L. "An Overview of the Medea." Dramaturgy for students. Detroit: Gale. Literary Resource Center. Network. August 13, 2010.Marvin, Corey. “Understanding binary oppositions in literature.” Class pantry; English 101. Cerro Coso Community College, 2010. Print