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