“Stronger than lover's love is lover's hate. Incurable, in each, the wounds they make.”
Euripides
“Stronger than lover's love is lover's hate. Incurable, in each, the wounds they make.”
Euripides
Euripides, one of the great tragedians of ancient Greece, born on September 23, c. 480 BC, was renowned for his deep psychological insight and exploration of complex human emotions. This quote, taken from his play Medea, encapsulates his understanding of the dual nature of love and hate, two emotions that are often inextricably linked in the human experience.
In Medea, Euripides tells the story of a woman who, driven by intense love turned to devastating hatred, takes a horrific revenge on her unfaithful husband, Jason. Medea's actions are extreme, but they underscore a universal truth: the capacity for love can also give rise to an equally powerful capacity for hate. When love is betrayed or unfulfilled, it can transform into something dark and destructive, leading to actions that are as intense and passionate as the love that preceded them.
The phrase "Incurable, in each, the wounds they make" reflects the lasting impact of both love and hate. Euripides suggests that the emotional wounds inflicted by these intense feelings are deep and enduring, often impossible to heal. This resonates with the idea that emotions tied to betrayal, loss, and unrequited love leave scars that can shape a person's actions and identity long after the initial events have passed.
Euripides was known for challenging the conventions of his time, particularly in his portrayal of women and the exploration of their inner lives. Medea is a prime example of this, as it presents a female protagonist who defies the submissive roles typically assigned to women in Greek society. Instead, Medea is portrayed as a complex character, driven by powerful emotions that lead her to take control of her own fate, albeit through tragic means.
The quote also reflects a broader theme in Euripides' work: the idea that human emotions, particularly when taken to extremes, can lead to irrational and destructive behavior. His plays often explore the darker sides of human nature, revealing how quickly love can turn to hate, and how the intensity of these emotions can drive people to commit acts they might never have imagined.
In this way, Euripides remains relevant even today, as his exploration of the human psyche continues to resonate with modern audiences. His understanding of the complexities of love and hate, and the fine line between the two, offers timeless insights into the human condition.