MEDEA

Synopsis: The play Medea tells the story of Medea and Jason, two figures well known by ancient Greek audiences. Euripides, knowing the notoriety of these characters, began the play toward the end of their story. At the play’s opening, Medea is an outcast, a foreign exile in Corinth. Medea was the Princess of Colchis. She fell in love with Jason when he went to Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece. Medea used her powers as a sorceress to help Jason gain the Fleece, betraying her father and killing her brother in the bargain. Jason returns to Corinth with Medea and their children; now there, he decides to marry the daughter of King Kreon. Predict: What types of Problems do you think might arise in the plot?

TIMELINE

Important: Euripides was unique in his time for creating characters with complex inner lives, realistically nuanced moral dilemmas and for creating fully developed, intelligent female characters. Instead of centering his dramas on man vs. destiny (as Aeschylus and Sophocles had), Euripides created drama from an internal psychological conflict. - He was one of three major Greek Tragedians, including Sophocles and Aeschylus EURIPIDES

TYPES OF PERSUASION Ethos- or the ethical appeal, means to convince an audience of the author’s credibility or character. Ethos can be developed by choosing language that is appropriate for the audience and topic (also means choosing proper level of vocabulary), making yourself sound fair or unbiased, introducing your expertise or pedigree, and by using correct grammar and syntax. Pathos- or the emotional appeal, means to persuade an audience by appealing to their emotions. Authors use pathos to invoke sympathy from an audience; to get them to feel what the writer feels. A common use of pathos would be to draw pity from an audience. Another use of pathos would be to inspire anger from an audience; perhaps in order to prompt action. Pathos is the Greek word for both “suffering” and “experience.” Logos- or the appeal to logic, means to convince an audience by use of logic or reason. To use logos would be to cite facts and statistics, historical and literal analogies, and citing certain authorities on a subject.

WHAT IS A CHORUS? Chorus

STRUCTURE OF A PLAY Episodes Stasimons

THEMES OF THE PLAY

Gender Roles & Medea Background: In Euripides’ Medea, the protagonist [Medea] abandoned the gender roles of ancient Greek society. Medea defied perceptions of gender by exhibiting both "male" and "female" tendencies. She was able to detach herself from her "womanly" emotions at times and perform acts that society did not see women capable of doing. However, Medea did not fully abandon her role as a woman and did express many female emotions throughout the play. In the following assignment you will first list gender roles within our society today. Then after reading the first 618 lines of the play, you will compare them with the way Euripides characterizes Medea. In essence, your job will be to investigate and answer the following questions: How does Medea abandon traditional character roles? How does Medea display both Male and female gender roles? How does Medea measure up with female protagonists of today? Male Roles: Female Roles:

Gender Roles & Medea Think for a moment: Are the roles that both men and women share today equally? A Double Standard is a rule or principle that is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups. Ex. Woman who cries: victim. Man: weak. Can you think of any double standards in our society today between gender roles? Double Standards: Gender Neutral:

Argo A SCENE NEAR CORINTH (GREECE) Summarize the Nurse’s lines into 4 events. What words does the Nurse use that show us her perspective? (Tone) Nurse I wish the Argo had never spread its wings And flown to Colchis through the Clashing Rocks. I wish the pine tree on the slopes of Pelion Had not been felled; not split to feathery oars To fledge the arms of the Argonauts. Oh why Did Pelias send them for the Golden Fleece? If they had never come, my mistress Medea Would not have sailed back to Iolcos with them, Dazed with passion for their leader, Jason. Then she would not have made King Pelias’ daughters Kill their own father. And she’d not have come to settle here in Corinth, but she has. Pelia s Why do you think Medea would take part in a murder?

What words in the following passage capture the mood of this scene? But now the house is full of hate; and my dear girl Is ill with it. For Jason has become A traitor to his children and my mistress. He abandons her, to lie in a royal bed: He’s marrying the kind’s daughter, Creon’s child. My poor Medea loses all her rights And honors, everything. “He swore and oath,” She cries, “He gave his word! I trusted him!” She begs the gods to witness this reward From Jason, after all she did for him. She lies not eating, slumping into grief, Melting the hours of life away in tears. Nurse

How might the details above effect the plot? Notice the rhythm in “first of fortune’s waves,” what does it mean? TutorNurse I heard, when I was seeming not to listen But standing where the old men sit and play At board games, by the sacred spring Pirene Somebody say the children are to be banished From Corinth, with their mother. It appears That is the king’s intention. I don’t know If this is true—I pray it turns out false. Jason won’t let them treat his sons like that He’s quarreling with their mother, not with them When new alliances are made, the old ones Are dropped behind. His love has left this house. We’re sinking from the first of fortune’s waves; We cannot take another; we shall drown.

(P. 70 – 71 ) Find a Simile, Metaphor & Adjectives the Nurse uses to describe Medea. Next answer how do these literary devices help us imagine what Medea is like as a person? (Indirect Characterization ) Nurse Simile Metaphor Adjectives Your Thoughts “I’ve seen her eyeing them, like a beast about to charge.” “The cloud of pain will soon burst/Into greater Fury. What will her proud/ Untamable spirit do/ Under the bite of suffering?” Distraught, savage mood, willful, wild with hate Proud, untamable spirit, poor, unhappy, etc.

What is Medea thinking? About Jason… About her children… Textual Reference: “She hates to have her children near” Textual Reference: “She hates to have her children near” Textual Reference “The house is full of hate…A Traitor to his children and mistress…” “He swore an oath,” she cries

What is Medea thinking? About herself… Mourning the father she betrayed, the home and family she abandoned to come here with a man who treats her now with such dishonor.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRAGEDY Aristotle ’ s treatise on Tragedy, “ The poetics ”, identifies the main elements of a tragedy. - Plot (mythos) - Character (ethos) - Thought (dianoia) - Diction (lexis) - Melody (Melos) - Spectacle (opsis) The key elements of the plot are : - Reversals (peripeteia) - Recognitions (anagnorisis) - Suffering (pathos) Key elements continued : The best form of tragedy has a plot that is what he calls “complex.” A play has “complex” when it arouses horror, fear and pity as the hero’s fate changes from happiness to misery because of a tragic mistake they make. Assignment: You will be responsible for keeping a daily Critique Log. As a part of your daily exit slip, you will write a paragraph critiquing Medea and the elements in the play.

I hear the cry of discontent, The still-continuing wail. I hear the liquid voice lament The evil husband, the betrayal. Unjustly injured and abused, She calls on Themis, that goddess Who stands at the right hand of Zeus And guards our promises: It was a promise and an oath That brought her with the Golden Fleece Away from Colchis that night Across the sea to Greece, Through where the lock And clashing key Of salty Hellespont still block The impenetrable Euxine Sea. Chorus Stasimon 1 (p. 74) Jason Medea

Episode 2 (Pg 74-80, lines ) Ethos Definition Examples QuoteLine Medea’s speech to the women of Corinth attempts to get them to be on her side. Fill in the chart below after reading her speech on pg (lines ):

Episode 2 (Pg , lines ) Pathos Definition Examples Quote Line Medea’s speech to the women of Corinth attempts to get them to be on her side. Fill in the chart below after reading her speech on pg (lines ):

Episode 2 (Pg 74-80, lines ) Logos Definition Examples Quote Line Medea’s speech to the women of Corinth attempts to get them to be on her side. Fill in the chart below after reading her speech on pg (lines ):

Medea’s conversation with Creon on pages shows differing viewpoints of what’s happening. Outline the two viewpoints below in words and symbols. Creon

Stasimon 2 The Woes of Being a Woman (according to the Chorus of Corinthian women) Which woes do you think still exist for women? What woes exist for men? Which woes do you think still exist for women? What woes exist for men?

I swear by all the gods, whom I adore and whom I call to help me once again, They shall not laugh at this tormented heart. I’ll make their marriage sour– and painful – to them, Sour the alliance of their families, And sour the day they chose to banish me. Come then, Medea; use every means you know; Move toward horror: This is a test of spirit. Remember what they’re doing. Don’t accept Their mockery, this marriage of a Jason To a girl whose ancestor was Sisyphus! A man who pushes stones uphill in Hades! They laugh at men, granddaughter of the Sun!... Medea (p. 80) Themes Medea as Woman: loyal wife and nurturing mother. Medea as Other: barbarian sorceress and intruder from an uncivilized land. Medea as Hero: honor obsessed, intent upon action and reputation, and fearing laughter by peers. Medea as Athenian: defining herself publicly and using the language and rhetoric of the law. Revenger, Power, Greed

Episode 3 - Dramatic Irony- (Note the difference between what characters say and what they think). What words from the list below does each character embody? Are they stereotypical gender roles? Episode 3 - Dramatic Irony- (Note the difference between what characters say and what they think). What words from the list below does each character embody? Are they stereotypical gender roles? PassiveEmotionalWillfulViolentBoastful NurturingProudJealousSubmissiveRational Jason Medea

Everything’s set in every way against me. But don’t imagine this is all – not yet. There are still dangers for this bride and groom: And more than a little trouble for her father. Do you think that I’d have crawled and fawned on him Without some hope of gain, some scheme in mind? I’d not have spoken to him, not have touched him. But he has reached the depths of folly now: He could have banished me at once, and stopped My plans—instead, he’s given me this day: I’ve time to turn three enemies to corpses— The father and the daughter, and my husband. Medea (p. 79) How would you describe the way Medea was speaking with Creon? What does she say, do we believe her? In what ways does Medea defy the traditional gender roles set for women?

Medea’s Argument (p. 82) Medea’s Argument (p. 82) Rank the letters from least to most important. A) They have children and Jason is sleeping in another bed B) She saved Jason’s life C) He made a promise with marriage D) She and the children are being forced into exile E) She deserted her family F) She helped Jason capture the golden fleece (king) G) Helped catch fire breathing oxen

CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRAGEDY Aristotle ’ s treatise on Tragedy, “ The poetics ”, identifies the main elements of a tragedy. - Plot (mythos) - Character (ethos) - Thought (dianoia) - Diction (lexis) - Melody (Melos) - Spectacle (opsis) The key elements of the plot are : - Reversals (peripeteia) - Recognitions (anagnorisis) - Suffering (pathos) Key elements continued : The best form of tragedy has a plot that is what he calls “complex.” A play has “complex” when it arouses horror, fear and pity as the hero’s fate changes from happiness to misery because of a tragic mistake they make. Assignment: You will be responsible for keeping a daily Critique Log. As a part of your daily exit slip, you will write a paragraph critiquing Medea and the elements in the play.

I have to say I credit Aphrodite…Indeed it would be indelicate and ungrateful to list many ways in which Desire [Aphrodite] Drove you, helpless on to save my life… On the other hand, you got more than you gave. The first thing is, you live in Greece, instead of somewhere barbarous…then all the Greeks have heard of you, the wise one… Behind me, what better treasure-trove could I have found than marriage with the daughter of a king—I, an exile… I acted solely to ensure that we live well and never go without, because I know people will shun a man who’s lost his wealth. Also, I hoped to bring my children up in a manner worthy of my own descent. I thought I’d breed some brothers for our sons…. Jason (p. 84) What are some stereotypical traits of males that Jason expresses in the following lines? Who has a more convincing argument? PassiveEmotionalWillfulViolentBoastful NurturingProudJealousSubmissiveRational

Each of you will have a 3 x 5 post it note. Using only the front of the post it note, summarize the chapter from beginning to middle and end without going into too much detail. “Breakout” Game Bell Ringer Once completed put your name on the back of the post it note. And place the note in the center of the circle.

Ranking Breaks out = Great summary If it is not a break out summary you must discuss what is missing, or wrong. Mostly out = pretty good, missing some criteria. Mostly in = mediocre (below expectation) missing a lot of criteria. Stagnant = this will remain inside the circle. It is incorrect or not attempted. “Breakout” Game

Stasimon 3 (Greek Values) Moderation in all things (p ) Stasimon 3 (Greek Values) Moderation in all things (p ) The dangers of living without moderation The ancient Greeks believed that the spirit Sophrosyne (so-FROS-a-knee) escaped from Pandora’s box and represented self-control, moderation, restraint, and discretion. They lived by a saying, “moderation in all things,” and believed this was the only way to live a healthy, balanced life. According to the Chorus… Line #

Stasimon 3 (Greek Values) Moderation in all things Stasimon 3 (Greek Values) Moderation in all things In today’s society… Do you think we exhibit moderation and/or a lack of moderation in our daily lives? How/why? Put the best example you can think of at the top of the list

AegeusJason Is Medea Dependent? Yes or No Yes or No How or Why? Episode 4

AegeusJason Is Medea Deceptive? Yes or No Yes or No How or Why? Episode 4

AegeusJason Is Medea Emotional? Yes or No Yes or No How or Why? Episode 4

Praise For The City of Athens (Stasimon 4 pg ) Praise For The City of Athens (Stasimon 4 pg ) How does the Chorus praise the city of Athens? Do the characteristics of Athens fit Medea? Quote from Choral ode: Line # _____ In your own words…

Episodes 5 (pg ) Thin king Sayi ng Medea is consciously deceptive of Jason in this scene. Write quotes and draw images of what Medea is saying versus what she is thinking.

Stasimon 5 (pg ) Stasimon 5 (pg ) Summarize what the Chorus says in this ode: Describe the mood. What emotion(s) are created by the mood? How has Euripides created mood in this section? QuotePage/LineMood How could mood be enhanced onstage? MoodOnstage Idea(s)

Stasimon 5 (pg ) Stasimon 5 (pg ) I've no longer any hope that these children stay alive, as they stroll to their own slaughter. The bride will take her diadem, 1150 she'll take her golden ruin. With her own hand she'll fix across her lovely yellow hair [980] the jewelry of death. The unearthly gleam, the charm will tempt her to put on the robe and ornament of twisted gold. Her marriage bed will lie among the dead. That's the trap she'll fall in. That's how she'll die She can't escape destruction. And you, unlucky man, [990] married to the daughter of a king— how ignorant you are right now, bringing death to both your sons, to your bride an agonizing end. You most unfortunate man, how wrong you were about your destiny. Next, I mourn your sorrows, unhappy mother of these children, 1170 intent on slaughtering your sons, because your lawless husband left you and your marriage bed [1000] and now lives with another wife. Summarize what the Chorus says in this ode: What words contribute to the mood of this section? What adjectives describe the mood? What emotions are brought up by the mood?

Episode 6 (pg ) Episode 6 (pg )

Stasimon 6 (pg. 101) Stasimon 6 (pg. 101)

Episode 7 (pg ) Episode 7 (pg )

Stasimon 7 (pg ) Stasimon 7 (pg ) Illustrate one of the following quotes from the Choral ode. (Top 2 winners gets extra credit!)  “O Helios shining everywhere / Look down your rays and see / This deadly woman now before she kills / And reddens her white hands with children’s gore. / It’s her own blood she spills / But also yours: they are your golden seed.” (lines )  “A fearful thing, to pour / A god’s blood on the ground, / A god’s blood dripping from a human hand.” (lines )  “O light of heaven, prevent her, intercede / Against Medea, the Fury of this house, / Unhappy, murderous, driven to revenge.” (lines )  “Poor wretch, why did this weight of anger fall / So heavily on you?” (lines )

Episode 8 (p. 106-end) Medea as Tragic Hero 1)A flawed character with some goodness but suffers due to the flaw (usually pride). 2) Usually the protagonist. 3) Is of noble birth, and exhibits wisdom. 4) Suffers because of tragic flaw or error in judgment. 5) Character suffers perhaps more than we think they might deserve. Explanation of Medea as a Tragic Hero : Evidence (quotes (x2): Medea as Tragic Victim 1) The character suffers because of circumstances out of their control. 2) This character bears little, or no guilt considering the events surrounding them.. Explanation of Medea as a Tragic Hero: Evidence (quotes (x2): Defining Medea as a “Tragic Hero” & “Tragic Victim” Be prepared to debate after you define Medea in each of these roles. VS.

JasonMedea Who do you have more pity for by the end? Do either of the parents sound sincere when speaking of the children? Then I call down the Fury of vengeance for the little children: Swoop and destroy her. What kind of god do you think will listen To a breaker of oaths, a deceiver of strangers? I am going, bereft of my two sons. These tears are nothing. Wait till you’re old. Oh my children, dear sons To their mother, not you.

Medea gets away with quite a good deal here at the end! Can you think of any reasons as to why the gods would allow this? What godly connections does Medea have? 1)Apollo is her grandfather. 2)Hecate is her patron goddess. 3)Hera (Jason’s patron) is the goddess to who she takes her horrific ‘offerings ’.