It's funny, the prejudgment that can be made about a character before even having read a line from him/her. Before even having had the character Jason introduced, the readers are met with many castigations on his behalf by Medea, who labels him as "the vilest man alive." (228) However, when he enters in Episode II he seems less "vile" then was to be expected. Jason's tone is quite relaxed even though he is angry about the topic of discussion, and he seems to be very unperturbed about all the events that have, and will, occur in his life. This shows an immediate contrast from his character and that of Medea's. Jason is much more confidence in his choices and level-headed. The way that he expresses how unhappy he is that Medea must leave the land, saying he "tried to assuage the passions of the rulers" (454, 455) is said in a way that one would believe he was being honest. What was even more surprising about his demeanor was his response to Medea's diatribe against his character. Euripides uses many metaphors when Jason speaks, adding to the assertion of his level-headedness and overall sensibility. After Medea berates him, exclaiming that he is endowed with "shamelessness" (471) and a "lack of manliness" (465), Jason proceeds to take a calm approach once more. He casually brushes aside the words of Medea’s outburst and tells her that he “..must... practice [his] rhetorical skills, and...outrun the blasts of [her] tongue-lashing,” (521-524) because she makes a “mountain of it.” (525) His speech did not come across as condescending, but differential. Jason’s arrival makes the reader’s question whether Medea’s persona has a lot to do with her own life problems.
Though comical, this picture relates to the scene of Medea and Jason in Episode II. Medea boils over with anger whilst Jason keeps his composure with little known frustration.
I believe that Medea does have some internal issues but Jason's actions only made those issues more apparent. Jason is acting this way because he is not the victim. Imagine if the roles were switched ? Of course that would never happen because a woman would never be able to leave their husband. However, if it were possible Jason's feelings would be hurt just as much if nt more than Medea's.
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ReplyDeleteI would have to disagree with your opinion on Jason. When he expressed that he was "unhappy," I doubt that he really meant it and only said it in order to convince Medea to not plot a revenge against him. You can never really trust a backstabbing character like Jason. He claims that his remarriage with the royal family can help Medea and her kids, but in reality, his marriage is pure selfishness for his own benefit. Medea has every right to be mad at Jason. Jason also have a very negative view on women when he claims that they only exist to produce children.
ReplyDeleteI disagree that Jason isn't as evil as Medea makes him out to be. Jason cheated on his loving wife, which makes him vile and unable to be trusted. Perhaps Jason is acting "nicer" to kill his enemy (Medea) with kindness.
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