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In Med(e)as Res: Seneca the Advisor on the Reigns of Jason and Claudius
Currie, Michelle Lynn
Currie, Michelle Lynn
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Text, Honors papers, Greek and Roman Studies
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Abstract
As an advisor in the imperial household, Seneca wrote tragedies whose portrayal of
mythological rulers was doubtlessly influenced by his firsthand experiences. Though
scholars have already analyzed instances of historically relevant themes in these
tragedies, this new angle sheds light on facets of ruling that are particularly problematic
for these first Roman emperors and reveals Seneca’s thoughts on the inner workings of
ruling in the early imperial era. Among Seneca’s tragedies, Medea in particular seems
concerned with issues of power and ruling. In retelling a story already markedly similar
to Claudius’, Seneca naturally remolds this traditional storyline to draw parallels between
the situations of these two rulers and issues they face in asserting their power. Both
Claudius’ and Jason’s authority is overshadowed as their own families directly impede
their rise to power; they face serious difficulties in their relationships with their wives and
heirs; they travel even to the ends of the world to assert their control over and seek
benefits from foreign lands and peoples; and they must nevertheless rely on others for
victory, given their own lack of military ability. The remarkable similarities between
Claudius’ and Jason’s circumstances suggest that Seneca noted and wished to draw
attention to the political advantages and pitfalls of different aspects of rulers’ dealings
with power. These shared trials suggest that decisive resolution of these challenges was
necessary for the successful acquisition and maintenance of power, both for the
mythological ruler and the historical one whose position Seneca understood so well.
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The author granted permission for the digitization of this paper. It was submitted by CD.