Microtheme #6

Directions: For the format and expected content of your response, see the syllabus under
Grading. Use the primary texts given in the Additional Readings section of Chapter 24 and
the “Women of Corinth” selection from Euripides’ Medea posted under Content (April 5),
plus information learned from lectures and textbook in your response. Simple citations for
text are necessary (Ex: Eur. Medea, ll. 10-15 or p. 625). Students are not allowed to consult
secondary sources other than the textbook; but only the primary sources may be cited.
These are personal response papers. Student must also cite the plays in response (but no
more than 2 lines quoted at a time).

Due: Before your conference begins on Wednesday. Student must be present in conference
for assignment to be graded (see syllabus).

It’s obvious that the relationship between Jason and Medea is headed for trouble from the start.
Once they get to Corinth, Jason decides to divorce his wife, Medea, and marry the Corinthian
king’s daughter instead. This decision has a dramatic effect on Medea. Euripides challenges the
typical female role as “wife” in his depiction of Medea – foreigner, witch, murderer; this is not
typical of the proper Greek woman. In your opinion, do you think that Medea is justified for
killing her own children as vengeance for Jason leaving her, or not? The answer is not as
easy as it may seem after reading Euripides’ text (especially the “Women of Corinth” speech).
Although murder is never correct (!), this is mythology, and mythology goes to the extremes.
Euripides sets up a convincing defense for both Medea and Jason. So, in this divorce, you must
choose a side.

For help: This story should remind you of the tale of Procne, Philomela, and Tereus. If you find
comparison to previous princesses and heroines in this class, please feel free to include in your
response, but remember that the main primary source is Euripides’ Medea (selections given
under Content and at the end of Chapter 24).