Mythology

Mythologies may be used to protect and pass on traditional beliefs or to question and change traditional beliefs. Decide whether you think (1)
Euripides is a defender and protector of traditional beliefs or (2) an innovator and initiator of the change of traditional beliefs.
In doing so consider five of Euripides’ plays, the ones we read for class and three more. Based upon a critical reading and analysis of the text, argue
for one of the above interpretations of Euripides and his plays.
In your defense or prosecution consider the following:

1. The biographical information we have for him. Wikipedia is fine here.
2. The social and political milieu in which he was writing: the Persian Wars; democracy vs. oligarchy; sophism; the Peloponnesian wars; religious
   attitudes (belief in polytheistic and anthropomorphic gods as presented by Homer; belief in polytheism but not anthropomorphic gods; belief in
   monotheism; agnosticism; atheism).
3. The venue for his plays. You should have a good idea of this from class.
4. The audience he writes for. You should have a good idea of this from class.
5. The point of view he presents in his plays. For this part you need to do a careful reading of his plays.
   In your paper include in the first paragraph the biographical information we have for him and your thesis. Remember that your thesis is the argument
   you are making in the paper’s body. Also be sure to state the five plays you are basing your argument on.
   In making the argument for your thesis, take into consideration the following:
6. The social and political milieu in which Euripides was writing.
7. The venue for his plays.
8. The audience he writes for.
9. The point of view he presents in his plays.