Medea Short Essay

769 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Creon Characterisation In The Play "King Oedipus

Deception and manipulative motives don’t get you anywhere, but back to square one. You are angry and feel betrayed, so you become deceiving and manipulative, but soon the tables will turn and people will see you for who you are. The lights come on and your true self is revealed and you lose the people closest to you. Medea was betrayed, someone left her, she became deceiving, people saw her true colors, and she ended up alone. Medea always gets what she wants and people don’t realize that. She doesn’t know any other way to communicate with people without manipulating them at the same time. The façade of being clever only lasted for so long until the community realized Medea is conniving. Medea uses two rhetorical devices in her conversation with King Creon. During this scene Creon enters with his attendants declaring he will exile Medea from his land. The first rhetorical device is logos and that is used when Medea persuades people by the use of reasoning and using supporting evidence. Logos is a very effective strategy because one uses facts, statistics and other sources to support their claim. After Creon orders Medea to leave with her two children, Medea says, “What is your reason, Creon, for banishing me?” (281). Medea is so straight forward with her question that way nothing is lost in translation. Asking Creon a question like that makes him question himself and makes him question his actions. Creon continued by saying he is afraid of her and of her wicked plans. Medea acts as if she doesn’t understand why anyone would be afraid of her especially a king. She even states, “You gave your daughter away to the man you wanted. Oh, certainly I hate my husband, but you, I think, have acted wisely” (309-311). She indirectly is appla... ... middle of paper ... ...ategy of pathos really sold the deal for her because Creon was able to pity her and her children while looking at things in a new perspective. The rhetorical strategy of pathos was more helpful on Medea’s behalf because Creon actually agreed to give her more time. Medea using the strategy of logos didn’t have a huge effect on Creon because the only thing Medea assured him was safety because she said she wasn’t angry with him. Medea’s manipulative motives are helping her go through life day by day, but at the end of each day she has to accept that she ran everyone away. Medea pushed many people out of her life that cared and loved her, to attack and ruin one person’s life. The façade of being clever only lasts for so long until people realize you are truly deceiving and manipulative. Works Cited Euripides, and Alan Elliott. Medea. London: Oxford UP, 1969. Print.

Show More
Related

  • Teiresias As A Foil To Creon

    1295 Words  | 3 Pages

    “I know that too- and it disturbs my mind. It’s dreadful to give way, but to resist and let destruction hammer down my spirit- that’s a fearful option, too.” (Lines 1224-1227) And so he tries to fix them before the prophecy comes true. “Tell me what to do. Speak up, I’ll do it,” (Line 1229) “you think I should concede?” (Line 1232) “Alas, it’s difficult. But I’ll give up. I’ll not do what I’d set my heart upon. It is not right to fight against necessity.” (Lines 1236-1238) By the time Teiresias had taken his boy and left, Creon realized his flaw and that the prophet was right, but it was too late to change his kismet. Creon had not known this yet, and began his journey to fix his wrongdoing. (Lines 1240-1245) “I’ll just go as I am. Come, you servants, each and every one of you. Come on. Bring axes with you. Go there quickly- up to the higher ground. I’ve changed my mind. Since I’m the one who tied her up, I’ll go and set her free myself.” His decision to not listen to the wise man when he was there trying to help, and his continuance to be intransigent until the last minute, led to his downfall. The interaction between these two characters helped develop the theme and plot by creating conflict, the realization for Creon of his downfall, and kept them busy while the plot moved forward behind the

    Read More

  • Comparison Of Creon In Oedipus And Antigone

    1129 Words  | 3 Pages

    Creon starts off being reasonable and understanding with the power he holds. For example, when Oedipus accuses him of trying to steal his crown, he said " If you discover I laid any plot together with the seen kill me, I say not only by your vote but my own." (Sophocles 136). This shows his understanding. Creon is comfortable with his power, people always greet Creon with respect, which demonstrates his power amongst the general population, for example, Creon said, “Now every man 's my pleasure; every man greets me." (Sophocles 136). Illustrates his relationship with the people of Thebes. Moreover, Creon is shown to be valuable towards the citizens of Thebes, when he said " I 'll go, you have not known me, but they have, and they have known my innocence." (Sophocles 140). This shows the trust citizens have towards Creon. Creon shows that he does not care for ruling Thebes, he states to Oedipus that "Now those who are your suiters fawn me, - success for them depends upon my favour. Why should I let all this go to win that?"(Sophocles 136). Creon eventually discovers that power is all he wants, leading towards King Oedipus ' exile. An example, is Creon said " Do not seek to be master in everything, for the things you mastered did not follow you throughout your life." (Sophocles 176), which explains that he manipulates with an intent that people mistake for honesty. Furthermore, this shows the end

    Read More

  • A Close Reading of Euripides' Medea

    650 Words  | 2 Pages

    Medea's first public statement, a sort of "protest speech," is one of the best parts of the play and demonstrates a complex, at times even contradictory, representation of gender.  Medea's calm and reasoning tone, especially after her following out bursts of despair and hatred, provides the first display of her ability to gather herself together in the middle of crisis and pursue her hidden agenda with a great determination. This split in her personality is to a certain degree gender bias. The lack of emotional restraint is "typical" of women, and the strong attention to moral action is a common trait of heroes. Medea actually uses both of these traits so that her wild emotions fuel her ideals, thus producing a character that fails to fit into a clear mold.

    Read More

  • Creon's Pride

    1145 Words  | 3 Pages

    It is clear that throughout the play Creon was given plenty of opportunities to see his wrong doings. Tiresias not only tells Creon that he is making a mistake but warns him of the consequences. Creon chooses to insult Tiresias and ignore his advice until he is swayed by others to follow the advice. However, Creon’s hesitation and pride cause him to lose everything.

    Read More

  • Antigone, by Sophocles

    1009 Words  | 3 Pages

    Antigone utilizes her moral foundations, her religious roots, and the events of her past to form a sophisticated argument. Despite being unable to convince Creon to reverse her punishment, Antigone is able to convince the people of Thebes that she was right in her actions. After Antigone’s death, and the deaths of several others, Creon reflects on this monologue and realizes the honest truth behind Antigone’s actions and words.

    Read More

  • Medea As An Outsider Analysis

    562 Words  | 2 Pages

    Medea is a tragedy written by acclaimed Greek playwright Euripides.fortunately, had the opportunity to view last night's performance. Euripides cleverly uncovers the reality of Ancient Greek society, shining a light on the treatment of women and the emotions and thoughts that provoked during their time in society. As they were voiceless, Euripides acted as a voice. The scene is set during a male- dominated society, Medea the protagonist challenges the views and chooses to ignore the normality of civilisation. Treated as an outsider her passion for revenge conquers the motherly instincts she possesses, provoking a deep hatred and sparking revenge towards her once loved family.

    Read More

  • Euripides' The Medea: Medea and the Chorus

    292 Words  | 1 Pages

    The exchange that takes place between Medea and the Chorus serves several purposes in Euripides' tragedy, The Medea. It allows us to sympathize with Medea in spite of her tragic flaws. It also foreshadows the tragic events that will come to pass. Finally, it contrasts rationality against vengeance and excess. The Chorus offers the sane view of the world to the somewhat insane characters of Medea, Jason, and Creon. As the passage begins on page 176, the leader of the Chorus reveals that she has high regards for Medea despite the fact that she is "savage still." She acknowledges Medea as a foreigner and an outsider and yet is sympathetic towards her. This alliance is apparently based on female bonds rather than on any kind of national loyalty. Medea wastes no time before she begins lamenting and cursing those who "dared wrong me without cause." The Chorus tries to comfort Medea, hoping that this might "lessen her fierce rage / And her frenzy of spirit." They show real concern for her well-being, as well as for the well-being of her loved ones. This unselfish attitude is in stark contrast to the attitudes of the main characters in the tragedy, who all seem to be extremely self-serving. So in just a few short lines, it's already become apparent that while the chorus doesn't necessarily agree with the way that Medea is handling her situation, they are sticking by her and supporting her. This idea supports one of the important themes of the play: the battle of the sexes. Medea now has a chance to get a few things off her chest. She addresses the "Women of Corinth," reminding them that of "all things that live upon the earth and have intelligence we women are certainly the most wretched." She discusses the sad lot that women must deal with in marriage and again stresses the fact that she is an outsider, "alone, without / a city. Her speech is clever and compelling.

    Read More

  • Creon: A Tragic Hero

    852 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...on because he is only human. All human beings make mistakes and rash decisions, and in knowing this, one understands the desperate calling to give compassion and understanding towards Creon. However, with Jason and Medea, their mistakes harm not only themselves, but also the feelings of others. Creon best embodies Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero through his reign of power, his tragic flaw, and his tragic downfall.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Revenge In Medea

    1022 Words  | 3 Pages

    Along the way she did face internal conflicts that made her have doubts, but at the end of the day her anger and bitterness outweighed the amount of revenge she wanted to have on Jason. From Jason marrying another woman, Medea wanted her revenge. Although, in the play, Medea, Medea had vengeance on Jason that was made up of her having a plan of retaliation to stay in Corinth, kill Creon’s daughter, and murdering her children it was not justified. Even though Jason reacted wrongfully, doesn’t mean that Medea should have reacted the way she did. By her being not only emotionally unstable but physically unstable allowed Medea to think of retaliation thoughts. Even though it is a natural habit to to seek revenge on someone it doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. Instead of immediately knowing vengeance is the answer when it isn't, she should have thought about seeking forgiveness. We, as people shouldn’t try to have revenge on anyone. As we saw in this play it had a very negative result that Medea had to face with the rest of her

    Read More

  • medea

    455 Words  | 1 Pages

    The problem set at the beginning of the play is that Jason has decided to marry another wife, Glauce. Medea is angered and will not let Jason off without punishment. The loss of Jason is not only a matter of passion; Medea has been completely humiliated by Jason's decision to take a new bride. Her pride shows again when she refuses Jason's aid. Though her situation is difficult, she would rather destroy all than accept help from one who has wronged her so horribly. Living as a barbarian among Greeks has made her more defensive, more full of hurt pride. To punish Jason, Medea had her children deliver poisoned gifts to the new bride, to kill her children, Glauce, and Creon. . Medea is not without feeling, nor is she a sociopath. She comprehends the difference between right and wrong, but chooses to follow the dictates of rage.

    Read More

  • Representation of Womens Roles in Society- Medea

    1102 Words  | 3 Pages

    Medea’s illegitimate marriage and the betrayal of Jason drive Medea to extreme revenge. Medea chooses to act with her immortal self and commit inhumane acts of murder rather than rationalize the outcomes of her actions. Medea see’s this option as her only resort as she has been banished and has nowhere to go, “stripped of her place”. To create sympathy for Medea, Euripides plays down Medea’s supernatural powers until the end of the play. Throughout the play Medea represents all characteristics found in individual women put together, including; love, passion, betrayal and revenge. Medea’s portrayal of human flaws creates empathetic emotions from the audience. The audience commiserates with Medea’s human flaws as they recognize them in themselves. Medea plays the major role in this play as she demonstrates many behavioral and psychological patterns unlike any of the other Greek women in the play; this draws the audience’s attention to Medea for sympathy and respect.

    Read More

  • Justice in Euripides' Medea

    434 Words  | 1 Pages

    Throughout the whole story, you are torn with emotions between the characters. At first, you feel sorry for Medea. Her husband, who she has saved from death, has left her for another woman. She has been "all/obediant" their entire marriage, transforming herself into the sort of wife required by society. You can't help but sympathize with her.

    Read More

  • Feminism and its Role in Medea

    1046 Words  | 3 Pages

    Internal conflicts within Medea shed light on her true character and her difficulties to make decisions. Throughout the play, there are many cases of Medea contemplating her decisions and this is done so the readers can see that Medea thinks for herself, and doesn’t let any male control her life. In the play, Medea states, “I had rather stand three times in the front line than bear one child” (1. 249-50). This shows that her internal conflict with not wanting to go through childbirth again is proof that her character is a little bit of a “masculine” woman. In the quote she is saying she’d rather battle than give birth. In a way, it is an example of Medea’ rejection of the foundation of the typical role of woman. Another example of Medea having an

    Read More

  • The Character of Medea in Euripides

    368 Words  | 1 Pages

    Although Medea killed and did things that people felt were wrong it is evident that through out the play that along with her other characteristics, she was a caring and loving person. The first time we are shown this is when we discover everything she did for Jason. If she did not love him she would not have done those things. We are also shown that Medea can be a caring person by the love that she had for her children. Although she killed them in the end during the play she was a mother to her children, she showed affection to them, and she did think twice before she killed them. It is because Medea was a caring and loving person that she did what she did. Her feelings were hurt and her heart was broken; and she did what she felt she had to do to hurt Jason for hurting her.

    Read More

  • The Character Medea's Revenge in Euripides' Medea

    757 Words  | 2 Pages

    Medea is a tragedy of a woman who feels that her husband has betrayed her with another woman and the jealousy that consumes her. She is the protagonist who arouses sympathy and admiration because of how her desperate situation is. I thought I was going to feel sorry for Medea, but that quickly changed as soon as I saw her true colors. I understand that her emotions were all over the place. First, she was angry, then cold and conniving. The lower she sinks the more terrible revenge she wants to reap on Jason.

    Read More

More about Medea Short Essay

Open Document