Betrayal and Revenge in Medea Essay

In his point for the Golden Fleece, Jason elicits Medea, a women known for her nonnatural powers. Shortly later on, they marry. Yet, after all(a) Medea does for Jason-including violent death her own brother-he decides to leave her and marry the playboy Princess to increase his own wealth and status. Thus, to penalise her husband for his betrayal, Medea kills the princess and the children she herself had with Jason, thus ensuring his bed downfall.Upon listening of the sacrifice of the children and the polish off of his bride-to-be, Jason expresses the extent of his ravaging and hatred towards Medea. In this passage from Euripidess Medea, Euripides reveals both Medeas merci littlety and ruthlessness and the effect of her revenge on Jason-his complete destruction. In addition, Jasons reference to Medeas earlier transgressions reveals that he doesnt in full kitchen range what Medea gave up for him. Although Medeas actions result never be justified, Jasons reaction througho ut the play, and specifi cancely in this passage, allows the reader to feel some small flyer of sympathy towards Medea.Throughout the play, Jason characterizes Medea as cruel and merciless. This is ironic because these are the same traits that make disembodied spirit and success possible for Jason when he first met Medea. Yet, throughout the passage, Jason characterizes Medea as less than human. For example, he refers to her as a undesirable thing and an evil thing(43). He even goes as far to call her a monster not a woman, having the nature wilder than that of the Scylla in the Tuscan sea(43). By referring to Medea as the Scylla-a barbarian monster in the Odyssey -Jason reveals the extent to which he sees Medea as cruel and even inhuman.Jason too reveals the degree of Medeas hardness by describing her as loathed by the gods and all of humanity(43). In addition to revealing Medeas cruelty, these phrases suggest that Medeas actions are imposing enough to become infamous amon g all humankind. Jason also comments that at that place is no classic woman who would overhear dared such workings(43). Such characterization sets Medea apart and magnifies the cruelty of her actions. However, Jasons comment also shows how he views women in Greek society as frail and gentle. Otherwise, why wouldnt he have said there is no Greek that would have dared such deeds? Cleary, Euripides uses Jason to reveal Medeas callousness in her quest for revenge.In the passage, Euripides also reveals Jasons detachment and inability to grasp the logical implication of what Medea gave up for him. For example, Jason comments you who have had the heart to cost increase a sword against your children, you, their mother, and left me childless-you have through with(p) this, and do you still assist at the sun and at the earth, after these most fearful doings(43). In these lines, Euripides points out Jasons detachment and disgust. Jason continually repeats the word you, suggesting that he believes that everything was Medeas fault, that her actions were unprovoked. As seen in the line you have done this, Jason lays all blame on Medea for the murder of his children and his prospective bride. Clearly, Jason doesnt fully grasp what Medea gave up for him.Although there are no justifications for her actions, Jason is partly to blame for instigating the conflict. Furthermore, Jason describes Medea as a traitress to her father and her native land and describes how she corporation her own brother. These lines reveal Jasons disconnect. When she killed her brother, Medea saw her actions as necessary to help Jason, her confessedly love. Thus, she sacrificed the adoption and love of family for the love and acceptance she received from Jason. Not only does Jasons inability to recognize Medeas sacrifices in this passage reveal his disconnect, but it also reveals his selfishness.Regardless of whether Jason is deserving of Medeas revenge, he is left completely devastated and w ithout hope for the future. For him, there is little to live for. In fact, he tells Medea for me remains to cry aloud upon my fate, who go out get no pleasure from my newly wedded love. And the boys whom I begot and brought up, never shall I speak to them alive(44). Finally, he comments oh, my life is over. Thus, Medea fulfills her ultimate goal-ruthlessly punishing Jason for the pain he inflicted upon her.