Seneca's brutal play "Medea" reveals what happens when rage takes control. A betrayed wife, an indecisive husband, and a tragic ending that challenges Stoic ideals.

In this episode, Caleb and Michael analyze Seneca's bloody retelling of the Medea myth - where passion overcomes reason with devastating consequences.

Dana Gioia on Seneca and The Madness of Hercules (Episode 74)

(04:28) Historical Background

(06:43) The Story of Medea's Revenge

(17:08) Character: Fortune Takes Wealth, Not Spirit

(21:27) Not Just a Moment's Madness

(26:36) How Anger Warps Reality

(33:44) Satisfying Madness

(36:02) The Intoxication of Rage

(38:41) What's Up With Jason?

(46:03) Seneca's Court Experience

(50:43) Brutal Ending: "There Are No Gods"

(58:57) Outro

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

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Intro

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