Oftener than not the old are uncontrollable; their tempers make them difficult to deal with

Oftener than not the old are uncontrollable; their tempers make them difficult to deal with

In the context of Euripides, the statement "Oftener than not the old are uncontrollable; their tempers make them difficult to deal with" can be seen as a reflection of the complex and often tumultuous relationships between generations in his plays. Euripides was known for his exploration of human nature and the flaws and weaknesses that can lead to conflict and tragedy. In many of his works, the older characters are portrayed as stubborn, prideful, and quick to anger, making them difficult to reason with and prone to making rash decisions that have far-reaching consequences.

One of Euripides' most famous plays, "Medea," provides a prime example of this theme. In the play, the titular character, an older woman, is consumed by jealousy and rage after her husband, Jason, betrays her for a younger woman. Medea's uncontrollable temper leads her to commit heinous acts of revenge, including the murder of her own children, in order to punish Jason for his betrayal. Her actions are driven by a combination of wounded pride, anger, and a sense of entitlement that make her a formidable and dangerous adversary.

Similarly, in "The Bacchae," another of Euripides' works, the character of Pentheus, the king of Thebes, is portrayed as a stubborn and arrogant ruler who refuses to heed the warnings of the god Dionysus. His inability to control his temper and his prideful nature ultimately lead to his downfall, as he is torn apart by the frenzied followers of Dionysus in a fit of madness.

Overall, Euripides' portrayal of older characters as uncontrollable and difficult to deal with serves to highlight the destructive power of unchecked emotions and the consequences of allowing pride and anger to cloud one's judgment. Through his exploration of these themes, Euripides challenges his audience to reflect on their own relationships with older individuals and the importance of understanding and empathy in bridging the generation gap.