Themes of Medea
Jessica Barr
February 21, 2011
Medea Video Project Analysis
The “Medean” Hillbillies Euripides’ Medea is classified an ancient Greek tragedy. However, this story is much more than a tragedy. The story of Medea is one that definitely grabs the reader’s attention through both its text and its themes. The themes that the story of Medea presents are very practical and still continue to exist in humanity today. The three largest and most obvious themes that a reader is most likely to find and relate to while reading Medea are revenge, manipulation and passion. These three themes are not only apparent in the story of Medea; they are obvious in our video version, entitled The Medean Hillbillies, as well. Revenge is a common theme that occurs in a number of scenes throughout Medea (“Themes of Medea”). Jason, the husband of Medea, has decided to leave his wife for another woman that will place him in a higher social status. Medea immediately becomes angry as she feels that she has given up everything in order for him to gain power (Smith). Medea does not believe he has adequate reasons for leaving her. She also does not like the fact that Jason continues to make lame excuses while trying to defend himself. Medea quickly develops a strong urge for revenge against Jason and his new wife. The remainder of the story is centered on this theme and Medea’s plan for revenge (Smith). Medea’s ultimate plan for revenge is to poison and kill the Princess, Jason’s new wife. She completes this goal by poisoning a gold dress and then presenting it as a gift to the Princess. When the Princess puts on the dress, the poison immediately results in her death. Medea is also able to kill the father of the Princess, which assists her in a successful act of revenge. Medea does not stop with the death of the Princess and the King. As the story continues, Medea’s sense of revenge bubbles up insider her. She continues her plot of revenge towards Jason, as a result of her hatred towards him
February 21, 2011
Medea Video Project Analysis
The “Medean” Hillbillies Euripides’ Medea is classified an ancient Greek tragedy. However, this story is much more than a tragedy. The story of Medea is one that definitely grabs the reader’s attention through both its text and its themes. The themes that the story of Medea presents are very practical and still continue to exist in humanity today. The three largest and most obvious themes that a reader is most likely to find and relate to while reading Medea are revenge, manipulation and passion. These three themes are not only apparent in the story of Medea; they are obvious in our video version, entitled The Medean Hillbillies, as well. Revenge is a common theme that occurs in a number of scenes throughout Medea (“Themes of Medea”). Jason, the husband of Medea, has decided to leave his wife for another woman that will place him in a higher social status. Medea immediately becomes angry as she feels that she has given up everything in order for him to gain power (Smith). Medea does not believe he has adequate reasons for leaving her. She also does not like the fact that Jason continues to make lame excuses while trying to defend himself. Medea quickly develops a strong urge for revenge against Jason and his new wife. The remainder of the story is centered on this theme and Medea’s plan for revenge (Smith). Medea’s ultimate plan for revenge is to poison and kill the Princess, Jason’s new wife. She completes this goal by poisoning a gold dress and then presenting it as a gift to the Princess. When the Princess puts on the dress, the poison immediately results in her death. Medea is also able to kill the father of the Princess, which assists her in a successful act of revenge. Medea does not stop with the death of the Princess and the King. As the story continues, Medea’s sense of revenge bubbles up insider her. She continues her plot of revenge towards Jason, as a result of her hatred towards him
Cited: Borey, Eddie. “Medea Themes.” GradeSaver. 05 February 2001 Web. 6 December 2010. http://www.gradesaver.com/medea/study-guide/major-themes/ Euripides. "Medea." Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 1997. 435-65. Print. Mastin, Luke. "Analysis - Medea - Euripides." Classical Literature - Tragedy, Lyric Poetry, New Comedy, Satire, Epic Poetry ... and Much More. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. . Smith, Nicole. "Comparison of "The Odyssey" and Medea : The Theme of Revenge." Article Myriad. 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. . "The Themes of Euripides ' Medea." 123helpme.com. Web. 06 December 2010. http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=4772.