Medea Discussion

Medea Discussion

Reply to this post with intelligent commentary on ONE of the topics below.  Also, thoughtfully reply to the post of a fellow student.

Questions (choose one):

1. What is the effect of Medea's delayed entrance at the beginning of the play?
2. How is the scene with Aegeus of Athens relevant to Medea (at least two ways)?
3. Why does Medea pretend to be reconciled with Jason?
4. Discuss the use of deus ex machina.
5. Discuss the following quote as it relates to Jason's character:
1. "As to those acts of service you so loudly boast-- whom do I thank for them?  I thank divine Venus, the goddess who makes girls fall in love.  You did them because you had to do them; Venus compelled you..."
6. Analyze the extended metaphor in this quote:
1. "The wine I was pouring for you spilled on my hand-- Dear were the little grapes that were crushed to make it; dear were the vineyards."
7. Discuss the contrasting attitudes towards women advanced by Medea and the chorus.
8. How does Euripides allow us to feel sympathy for a woman who murders her children?

Medea Background Articles

Be sure to read the four articles from the website that give you more detailed background information that will be helpful when you read/view Medea.  In a reply below, write a brief summary of ONE of the articles.  Keep your summary factual and avoid wordiness.  Reply to another student's summary with a specific compliment or suggestion.