Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in English and Writing Studies
Department
English
First Reader/Committee Chair
Dr. Ann Garascia
Abstract
This paper examines how The Real Housewives of Atlanta functions as a modern form of Greek tragedy through its portrayal of Nene Leakes, whose rise and fall within the Bravo franchise mirrors the tragic arc of Euripides’ Medea. Both Medea and Leakes represent women who defy the systems that once empowered them Medea through her rebellion against patriarchal and familial structures, and Leakes through her public confrontation with the television industry that made her a star. By analyzing these two figures through rhetorical, feminist, and media studies frameworks, this paper argues that reality television operates as a contemporary stage of classical tragedy. In this case Nene Leakes’ life is transforming from the personal struggles of women into public spectacle, emotional catharsis, and cultural commentary. There is similar structures between both reality television and Greek tragedy. Both of these dramas rely on tension, rebellion, all while evoking empathy and judgement from the audience.
Recommended Citation
White, Jazzlyn L., "NENE LEAKES AS A MODERN MEDEA" (2025). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2342.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2342
Included in
Modern Literature Commons, Other Theatre and Performance Studies Commons, Television Commons