Medea has been brought to the point of hating even her own children. Presumably not being able to stand looking at the faces of which resemble of the man she now resents most. Describing him as being "the vilest man alive," (228) and calling on the chorus, Women of Corinth, to assist her in carrying out her revenge. All the while Medea is going against the traditional role of woman during this time period. It is evident from her first speech that she views the lives of woman as tragic and unfavorable, believing that they are the "sorriest lot"(230) of whom are slaves to their husbands until death do them part as "divorce is unfavorable."(235) In the not too distant past, she didn't view the over-extensive pleasing of one's husband as being something to abhor, but once she has had the worst abuse given to her by her own husband, her views change. There is no doubt that Medea will go to great lengths to ensure that if she must be subject to such disrespect in spite of "obliging Jason in every way," (12) a norm surely must be broken. And something will break, whether it be an arm or a skull or an affair. "It won't be easy for an enemy to come out victorious in a battle with her." (43-44) This was a battle. Who would win?
Friday, March 11, 2016
Stand Alone
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I agree that Medea will go to great lengths to get revenge on Jason for cheating. Jason made Medea look a fool; She had endless love for Jason and he disrespected Medea, and her emotions, by leaving Medea for Creon's daughter. Not only will Medea be a strong force against Jason, she will be a strong force for the breakdown of a patriarchal society.
ReplyDeleteI love your statement that "In the not too distant past, she didn't view the over-extensive pleasing of one's husband as being something to abhor..."! This is a valid point and speaks to the suppression of women in her society. Despite having almost no rights, Medea and the women of her time were conditioned to accept their servitude as inevitable. They were taught to embrace it, and never ask for more. However, as history has repeatedly demonstrated, an oppressed people will eventually rise to fight back. Even societal pressure and conditioning can not stop human desire. Jason's betrayal of Medea was simply the catalyst to fuel the fire of frustration that has been building within her since her first instance of gender inequality. This slow building frustration as a result of oppression can be traced from women's rights to civil rights to native american rights and many other movements.
ReplyDeleteI think Her ex was not fully aware of everything that she is capable of. I feel like whatever Medea has up her sleeve will change everything. Her life, her kids lives,Jason's life, and the everyone who involved themselves with her. Medea is a very powerful woman who will go to great lengths to express her anger. I like how you added the part about wives being a husbands slave. I feel like Medea did everything for her husband and now that he's gone, she literally can't function.
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