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MEDEA

- Euripides

- 431 BC

- Set in Corinth

- Central character is a strong female, this is unusual for the time period

- Jason has left Medea and their children for the King's daughter

- Opens with Medea in a state of anger and distress

 

 

 

 

MEDEA

  • Lead female

  • Goddess or witch

  • Married to Jason

  • Magical powers

  • Betrayed by husband

  • Left for the King's daughter

 

NURSE

  • Cares about Medea

  • Tries to provide moral compass for Medea

 

CHORUS

  • Made up of Corinthian women

  • Try to advise Medea

  • Sympathise with the lead character

 

CREON

  • King of Corinth

  • Offers his daughter to Jason

  • Banishes Medea to exhile

 

JASON

  • Husband of Medea

  • Also marries Creon's daughter

  • Has two boys to Medea

 

AEGEUS

  • Kind to Medea

  • Cannot have children

  • Offers Medea support

 

Glauce

  • Daughter of Creon

  • Beautiful and young

  • Is now with Jason

 

 

 

 

Questions to think about:

 

  • What is your opinion of Medea?

 

 

 

  • What message do you think Eruipides is trying to get across in regards to women and their role within society?

 

 

 

  • How would you describe Medea's reaction to loss, do you think her reactions were justified?

 

 

 

 

  • How is gender explored within this play? Does Medea emerge as a champion of women's plight?

 

 

 

 

  • Why are we still studying Medea? Does the play raise any issues  still prevalent in modern society?

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