MEDEA

AUTONOMY Nurse Aphorism - in praise of Medea's obedience to Jason but also a universal truth

AUTONOMY Nurse Aphorism - in praise of Medea's obedience to Jason but also a universal truth

In marriage that's the saving thing, when a wife obediently obeys her husband's will.

DECEPTION Medea Foreshadowing her actions

This one day let me stay, to settle some plan for my exile, make provision for my two sons

DECEPTION Medea Dramatic Irony Medea interacts with the chorus For women, deception is necessary

If I can find a way to work revenge on Jason for his wrongs to me, say nothing.

FOREIGNNESS Chorus Stasimons Superlative Highlights difficulty of Medea's position as foreigner, directs interpretation of events

That is the most pitiful of all griefs

FOREIGNNESS Medea Religious allusion - invoking goddesses of hospitality and hunting as she explains her difficult position as an outsider

Mighty Themis! Dread Artemis!

GOOD VS EVIL Chorus Imperative verb, irony - Medea's grief kills many, but not her Value of sophrosyne (balance), extremes are dangerous

Check this passionate grief over our husband which wastes you away

GOOD VS EVIL Medea Personification of anger Attempt to vindicate self - evil actions can be justified

I understand the horror of what I am going to do; but anger... masters my resolve.

HIERARCHIES Medea Aphorism, plural pronoun Society is patriarchal, brings chorus and audience to her side

We women are the most wretched

HIERARCHIES Nurse Metaphor Place in social hierarchy restricts access to knowledge; loyalty to those of same status

We're both slaves together, don't keep me in the dark.

JEALOUSY Jason Hypophora - answers own question Others' jealousy can be a way to assert power.

Was such a plan, then, wicked? Even you would approve if you could govern your sex-jealousy.

REPUTATION Medea Personification of the world as being with eyes, representing judgement

There is no justice in the world's censorious eyes.

REPUTATION Medea Exclamation - frustration Being known as a clever woman is a disadvantage

My reputation, yet again! Many times, Creon, it has been my curse and ruin.

SELFISHNESS/REVENGE Medea Foreshadowing Cautionary tale to men who disrespect thier wives

This your marriage-day will end with marriage lost

SELFISHNESS/REVENGE Medea Syntax - short sentence indicates urgency, certainty My - disregards Jason's role Revenge may overpower maternal love.

I will kill my sons

STORYTELLING, AUTONOMY Medea Negative questions + pathos encourage sympathy Prologue - provides background Demonstrates emotional origins of Medea's murder - she is dependent on Jason

Do I not suffer? Am I not wronged? Should I not weep?

STORYTELLING, WOMEN'S INTELLIGENCE, JEALOUSY Medea Logos supports argument Women's intelligence is feared

Because I am clever, they are jealous.

THE SUPERNATURAL Aegeus Allusion to religion - shows power of gods and strength of Aegeus' commitment.

May the gods do to me as all guilty men.

THE SUPERNATURAL Deus ex machina Divine power is greater than humans, lack of catharsis

Medea saved by the gods

TRUST/BETRAYAL Medea Contrast 'my' represents bond, while betrayed indicates lack of relationship A relationship with one (Jason) may require the betrayal of others

O my father, my city, you I deserted

TRUST/BETRAYAL Medea Symbol - clasped right hand symbolises friendship as weapon cannot be carried - 'poor' means this relationship has dissolved Trust easily broken

My poor right hand, which you so often clasped

WOMEN'S INTELLIGENCE Medea Symbol and irony - gold is wealth and power, but in this case the crown will diminish power of its wearer Glauce's greed overrides her intelligence Women's intelligence should not be overlooked

Gold outweighs a thousand arguments