Medea
Drama
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Euripides
Medea Main Text
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
NURSE: a servant of Medea
TUTOR: a servant assigned to Jason’s children
MEDEA: wife of Jason
CHORUS: a group of Corinthian women
CREON: king of Corinth
JASON: husband of Medea
AEGEUS: king of Athens
MESSENGER: a servant of Jason’s
CHILDREN: Medea’s and Jason’s two young sons
ATTENDANTS on Creon and Jason.
[Outside the home of Jason and Medea in Corinth. The NURSE, a slave who ser...
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Medea Character
Characters
Major
Medea (the sorceress and revengeful woman): Princess of Colchis and granddaughter of the sun-god Helios. She is unmatched in magic and intelligence. She falls in love with Jason and abandons her family to help him win the Golden Fleece. But in Corinth, when Jason decides to marry the princess Glauce, Medea takes terrible revenge. She kills Glauce and her father, Creon, with po...
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Medea Quotations
Quotes
“We women are the most unfortunate.” (Medea)
Explanation: Medea states women’s helplessness in a male-dominated world. Their lives depend on men and social laws. This makes them vulnerable.
“I understand too well the dreadful act I’m going to commit, but my judgment cannot check my anger.” (Medea)
Explanation: Medea recognises the horror of her deed but feels passion and rage overpower...
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Medea Key Info
Key Facts
Full Title: Medea
Author: Euripides (c. 480 – c. 406 BCE)
Title of the Author: One of the three great Athenian tragedians (alongside Aeschylus and Sophocles); called the “Tragedian of Human Nature.”
Source: Draws from Greek mythology, especially the story of Jason and the Argonauts, and Medea’s role as a sorceress and outsider.
Written Time: 431 BCE during the City Dionysia fe...
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Medea Summary
Background: Medea
Euripides’ Medea is one of the most powerful and controversial plays in the history of ancient Greek tragedy. The play was written in the 5th century BC, a time when drama, philosophy, and democracy were rapidly developing in Athens. During this period, Greek drama was not merely a form of entertainment but a strong medium for expressing social, political, and religious ideas.
Me...
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Medea Theme
Themes
Betrayal: At the heart of Medea lies the pain of betrayal. Jason once loved and married Medea, and with her help, he won the Golden Fleece. For Jason’s sake, Medea abandoned her family, her homeland, and even killed her own brother. Yet Jason, driven by the desire for power and royal prestige, marries Glauce, daughter of King Creon. This betrayal shatters Medea and sets her ablaze with the...
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Medea Literary Device
Figures of Speech
Irony: Definition: Irony occurs when the opposite of what is expected takes place. Jason tells Medea that by marrying Glauce, he is securing a better future for Medea and their children. The irony is that this marriage destroys both Medea's and Jason’s families. Again, Medea softens Jason’s heart by pretending that their children will deliver gifts. Jason believes Medea has ch...
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Notes
Explore 12 detailed notes related to Medea. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.