http://www.heritage.org/research/lecture/the-meaning-of-justiceMedea is carrying out her form of justice by poisoning Jason's new wife, then after killing her own children. She will then let Jason live through the rest of his miserable days. Justice always seems to be a debatable topic in society, but in no way are any of Medea's plans moral. She is willing to go all the way in killing her own kids just to get her revenge on Jason. She just wants him to feel how she feels now they he has abandoned her. Medea's plot is a clear representation of how revenge often very much differs from justice. Jason may have done wrong, but he even offers Medea money to take care of their children. She is too enraged to take this offer, and only has her eyes set on killing him. Her anger overrides any form of morality, leading to justice impairment. Although she believes she's doing the right thing, it is actually the complete opposite.
In today's standards, most people go by the cliche "two wrongs don't make a right." However, in Greek society, maybe two wrongs make a right. Vengeance is a common theme in many Greek literature, such as the Odyssey, and seems to been an ethical solution to some conflicts. The Greeks generally appeal to the Gods about their revenge. In most cases, their culture views the outcome of retribution as just and moral.
ReplyDeleteMedea's tainted concept of justice acts as her hamartia, which ultimately will result in her down fall. Although she is the victim of adultery and betrayal, Medea's want for vengeance and "justice" will end in disaster. With the story being labeled as a tragedy, one may predict Medea's fate will be determined by this fatal flaw.
ReplyDeleteI can also see her "tainted concept of justice" as hubris as well because Medea is extremely prideful and therefore sees her revenge as black and white. It's very arrogant of her to view justice and the way her husband will "feel the most pain" (816) as killing her own bloodline. Revenge is all or nothing to her and only a person with excessive pride would view it in such a way.
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ReplyDeleteMedea's sense of justice is rather skewed. Her problem is with Jason, not his new girl, or even the children Medea and Jason share. Medea's thinking process is corrupted by the pain Jason's adultery has caused. Medea has every right to be mad and want revenge on Jason, but Medea hurts the innocent in her process of revenge. Medea keeps commiting sins for Jason. First fratricide, then homicide, and infanticide.
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