Women in Greek Tragedy: Progression of the Euripidean Female through the Medium of Social Capital

Abstract

This paper explores the progression of women through the medium of social capital within the extant works of Euripides, with an aim to ascertain the level of influence social capital held in the progression of the Euripidean female. In order to achieve this, we take into consideration how traditional perceptions and behaviours of femaleness were adjusted by Euripides to combat social conventions, and empower his female characters. We also examine how Euripides used audience familiarity to implement female progression, whilst simultaneously maintaining an adequate level of androcentrism that would appease the contemporary audience and retain a positive reception. After considering the traditional roles of women, and the familiar, we conclude that as a mechanism for change, progression, and the empowerment of the Euripidean female, the use of social capital was a crucial agency of influence.