Medea plays the sympathy card all too well in her apology to Jason. Her phony tears cast her as a sensitive, submissive damsel. When she weeps for her children, she explains, "A mere female is naturally given to tears" (927). It is not coincidental she concludes about her actions, "But we are what we are: we women," (888). She is appealing to Jason's belief that all women "think they have it all" only if their marriage is "in good order" (568-569). She acts as though Jason has swayed her opinion and proved her wrong, and she is being completely illogical. She takes advantage of her role in a patriarchal society to weaken her prior argument whilst boosting Jason's ego. In this she provides a stark, contrast to her true vengeful self.
Medea's appeal is also a pivotal point of dramatic irony that further advances the plot. By her feeble plea for Jason's help, she turns him into an accomplice of his own fiancé's death. Medea's plan twists Jason's perception of reality where he becomes so moved by the bountiful and bright future his children could have. As their father, he is compelled to "do right by them" (925). The stakes at which Medea will choose to kill her children become even higher now that she appealed to her and Jason's parental instincts.
The following political cartoon emulates the concept of empathy applied to agressors. In these circumstances, Medea is the aggressor and she is a rebuttal to the cartoon's claim. She is scheming to take the life of her own children. She contradicts the power of the empathy gun because her victims are her own kin.
This post was just fantastic! I love the way you characterized Medea and how you describe her plot of revenge: "She takes advantage of her role in a patriarchal society to weaken her prior argument whilst boosting Jason's ego." This explanation is exactly what Medea is doing. But, I wonder how long Medea can use this strategy before the patriarchal society puts a stop to her "feminine craze". Maybe in the end, Medea will break the patriarchy down and develop a matriarchy, turning the tables to oppress men.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post; Medea is definitely more sinister and manipulative than people realize. I also loved that you pointed out the dramatic irony in Medea asking Jason to aid in his new bride's death. However, I don't think Jason was "moved by the bountiful and bright future his children could have". In my opinion, he is much more egotistical and selfish. He repeatedly dismissed Medea's complaints and concerns even though she was being exiled with his children and only agreed to take care of his children after Medea begged him. At first, his response to the news of their exile was simply, "I tried to stop it." If he truly cared, he would've stopped it.
ReplyDeleteMedea played the one card that works almost all of the time - crying to evoke pity out of someone. In successfully appealing to Jason, she has power over him, which also means she has some power over the crown. She effectively went from a base position to the master of puppets with a few shed tears - exemplifying her wile and will to get her way.
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