Shifting Roles: The Journey of Medea and Joan of Arc in Literary Tradition
Media and literature have long reflected societal attitudes toward marginalized figures, often portraying them through the lens of prevailing cultural biases. However, as social perspectives shift, so do the representations of historically marginalized characters. This essay explores the evolution of Medea, the infamous sorceress from Greek mythology, and Joan of Arc, the French heroine and saint. Both figures were originally depicted through a narrow and often negative lens—Medea as a barbaric, vengeful woman and Joan as a dangerous heretic. Over time, however, they have been reimagined, shifting from the margins of villainy and victimization to the center of feminist and nationalist discourses. By examining three key aspects—gender representation, cultural perception, and agency—this essay highlights how Medea and Joan of Arc have evolved from stereotyped outsiders to complex and influential figures.
Medea, first introduced in Greek mythology and immortalized in Euripides’ Medea (431 BCE), was a foreign woman, a witch, and a wife who exacted revenge on her unfaithful husband, Jason, by killing their children. In ancient Greek society, Medea’s identity as both a woman and a foreigner (a Colchian, an “Eastern” barbarian) positioned her as an outsider, symbolizing the dangers of unrestrained female power (Biswas et al., 2024). However, modern retellings, such as Christa Wolf’s Medea: A Modern Retelling (1996) and Kamila Shamsie’s Home Fire (2017), shift Medea’s role from a mere villain to a critique of patriarchal and colonial oppression. These portrayals emphasize Medea’s intelligence, resilience, and the injustices of the male-dominated world that condemned her.
In early Greek literature, Medea was defined by her emotional instability, magical abilities, and violent nature—all traits that reinforced negative female stereotypes. However, contemporary versions emphasize her political and moral dilemma rather than her monstrosity. For example, in Wolf’s retelling, Medea is not a vengeful murderer but a scapegoat, falsely accused of crimes because of her foreign status. Here, Medea becomes a metaphor for displaced and vilified women throughout history. Similarly, Shamsie’s Home Fire, which draws on the Medea myth, explores the political and racial implications of being an “outsider” in Western society, reframing Medea’s story as one of cultural and national alienation.
The evolution of Medea fosters different expectations of female characters in media. Whereas classical Medea reinforced fears about women in power, modern adaptations allow audiences to empathize with her struggles. This shift challenges traditional notions of female morality and encourages a more nuanced understanding of women’s agency in literature and society (Mauro, 2024). Moreover, the reimagining of Medea aligns with feminist movements, giving voice to women who have been historically demonized or silenced. However, these reinterpretations also face backlash, particularly from conservative scholars who argue that they erase Medea’s moral accountability and turn her into a symbol of victimhood rather than individual responsibility (Nayel & Hassan, 2024).
Joan of Arc, a 15th-century French peasant girl who led an army against the English and was later executed for heresy, has been one of the most contested figures in literature. Early portrayals, particularly in Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 1 (1591), depicted her as a witch and seductress, reinforcing misogynistic and nationalistic anxieties (Fraioli, 1981). However, by the 19th and 20th centuries, Joan had been reclaimed as a symbol of heroism, faith, and feminism. Writers such as Mark Twain (Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, 1896) and Marina Warner (Joan of Arc: The Image of Female Heroism, 1981) transformed her from a heretic into a saint, reflecting shifting attitudes toward women in power and national identity.
Initially, Joan was characterized by purity, piety, and military courage, but these traits were often framed in ways that justified her persecution. In Shakespeare’s play, for example, Joan is portrayed as a manipulative, scheming witch, aligning her with supernatural evil rather than genuine heroism (Dolgin, 1995). In contrast, modern literary and historical interpretations emphasize Joan’s leadership skills, political acumen, and gender nonconformity. Warner’s feminist study highlights how Joan’s masculine dress and rejection of traditional female roles challenged medieval notions of womanhood, making her a proto-feminist figure rather than a mere saint or soldier (Munitz, 1968).
The modern reimagination of Joan of Arc has profound psychological and cultural implications. Unlike earlier depictions, which reinforced the passivity of historical women, contemporary portrayals normalize female resilience. Joan’s story is now widely used to inspire female empowerment movements. However, this shift has also sparked controversy: some critics argue that modern feminism has appropriated Joan’s image, detaching her from her religious and nationalist origins in favor of secular activism (Fraioli, 1981).
Both Medea and Joan of Arc have evolved from dangerous outsiders to powerful central figures, but their trajectories reflect different aspects of historical and literary change.
Aspect Medea (Ancient to Modern) Joan of Arc (Historical to Modern)
Early Representation Villainous sorceress, emotional, foreign, dangerous Witch, seductress, unnatural woman
Modern Adaptation Political exile, feminist symbol, misunderstood outsider Warrior, national icon, feminist figure
Key Theme Gendered injustice, cultural alienation Female leadership, gender nonconformity
Impact on Audiences Challenges stereotypes of female vengeance and power Encourages feminist readings of historical figures
Both characters demonstrate a shift in how media and literature portray powerful women—from fear respect. However, their transformations have not been universally accepted. While Medea is now seen as a symbol of displaced women, some argue this romanticizes her violent past. Similarly, Joan’s modern feminist reinterpretation has faced pushback from those who see her as a religious figure first and foremost. Ultimately, their journey from the margins to the center highlights how societal values shape the characters we admire or condemn.
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