If the women were widowed or divorced and they had no sons, then they would go back to their original guardian, but if they did then they could be place under the guardian ship of their own son. "When a woman was married she passes guardian ship of her father into that of her husband. Legally, an Athenian female remained a minor the whole of her life. She was always assumed to be under the protection of a male guardian, who was responsible for her financial support and acted as her reprehensive in all legal matters." A woman was legally incapable of arranging her own marriage, and would often have their marriage arranged while very young. Women, to men were usually just seen as a means of producing children, more importantly a son.
Euripides Medea is one of the tragedies that shows a woman dominating the rest of the characters in the play. This female character throughout the play criticises the conditions of women and they way they were treated. .
"Surely, of all creatures that have life and will we women.
Are the most wretched." [214-248].
She goes on to say that a woman's husband must be purchased with a dowry, and once brought must be accepted as a tyrant of her body, whether he is good or bad. Medea is married to Jason, who has decided to leave her to marry King Creons daughter. It was allowed for men to do this, but was forbidden for women. Medea, in rage of this, takes matters into her own hands and plots to destroy Jason, by taking away the things he loves, his new bride and his children. In Medea, as well as other plays, there is a sense of role reversals. Medea is shown to be tough, and is warrior like in her speeches to the chorus. .
"Let no one think of me.
As humble or weak or passive, let them understand.
I am of a different kind, dangerous to my enemies.
Loyal to my friends. To such life glory belongs" [802-842].
Medea's speech in the beginning of the play supports her dominance throughout the rest of the play.