Thursday, February 19, 2015
Responsibility
One of the notable themes in Medea is, "Human beings are responsible for their own misfortune." The idea is that actions, whether they were deliberate or not, come with consequences. These consequences must be recognized and dealt with.
All of the characters in Euripides Medea fail to take responsibility for their own actions. For example, Jason abandons Medea. This causes cataclysmic events to himself and those around him. However, Jason never acknowledges that he is, at the very least, partly to blame for the results that occur. Instead, he wishes they never happened.
Medea accuses Jason for being at fault for the death of their children. Even though Medea herself was the murderess, she insists that because Jason broke his oath he drove her to kill their sons. She says that it is ultimately Jason's fault. Medea never accepts any blame for what she does.
Jason and Medea's actions lead to their own misery. Although, they refuse to accept the consequences that their actions bring. The entire play consists of Medea searching for revenge. She does get her vengeance. But everything intended to make Jason feel horrible also makes her feel horrible. By the end of the play, both characters have made themselves miserable. Neither Jason nor Medea hold themselves accountable for their own misery, a misery in which they themselves ultimately caused.
Medea by Euripides is a fantastic example of the theme, "Humans are responsible for their own misery," due to this.
All of the characters in Euripides Medea fail to take responsibility for their own actions. For example, Jason abandons Medea. This causes cataclysmic events to himself and those around him. However, Jason never acknowledges that he is, at the very least, partly to blame for the results that occur. Instead, he wishes they never happened.
Medea accuses Jason for being at fault for the death of their children. Even though Medea herself was the murderess, she insists that because Jason broke his oath he drove her to kill their sons. She says that it is ultimately Jason's fault. Medea never accepts any blame for what she does.
Jason and Medea's actions lead to their own misery. Although, they refuse to accept the consequences that their actions bring. The entire play consists of Medea searching for revenge. She does get her vengeance. But everything intended to make Jason feel horrible also makes her feel horrible. By the end of the play, both characters have made themselves miserable. Neither Jason nor Medea hold themselves accountable for their own misery, a misery in which they themselves ultimately caused.
Medea by Euripides is a fantastic example of the theme, "Humans are responsible for their own misery," due to this.
Medea's Escape
Something has just been seen that will surely never occur again in the history of Corinth.
Just moments ago, Jason arrived to confront Medea. He proclaimed he was also there to rescue his boys from punishment for Medea's crimes in killing Creon and Glauce. It wasn't long before Jason was informed if his children's demise. He was shocked to find out that it was their own mother who so heartlessly drew their blood. Jason entered a blind rage, determined to kill Medea for all she had done. But before his attendants could manage to open the doors, Medea appeared.
Now here's the crazy part: Medea was riding a golden chariot. This chariot was a gift from Helios, her father's father. It was drawn by dragons. Medea spoke down to Jason, refusing to give up the bodies if her dead sons. Jason, in his fury, called her a wicked mother and wished her dead. He wanted the bodies of his children so he could bury them properly, and Medea wouldn't even grant him this. Jason insulted his mad wife. Among other things, he called her a traitor to her home land and a loathed woman. It was clear that Jason regretted ever taking her to Greece.
Medea accused Jason that is was his fault that his sons were dead. If he had not broken his oath to her, the boys would still be alive. Medea escaped, presumably to Athens. She leaves Corinth questioning. Did Jason deserve what he got? Did Medea?
The Rumors Were True
It turns out that the rumors were true. Medea did, in fact, murder her own children. She has now killed her brother, betrayed her father, caused Jason's uncle's death, poisoned Glauce and Creon, and now she has finally gone off the deep end and brutally murdered her children.
The shocked citizens wonder what could have possessed her to commit such a vicious act. Many speculate it was to get back at Jason. How could a mother slay her own children? It is an unfathomable misfortune that befell those poor boys.
The reports say that Medea hesitated. She did not want to kill her children. But that doesn't matter. She went through with it, probably to cause Jason pain. Well, the joke is on her. She has most likely caused herself pain in the process. How could a woman be so blinded by a thirst for vengeance that she would be driven to do such a thing?
It is certain now. Medea has indeed completely lost her marbles. After what she has done there's no hope left for her. I wonder, would Aegus have agreed to shelter her if he had known what she was planning to do? The homicide was surely premeditated. Jason has yet to find out about his deceased children. What will he do to Medea, now that she has taken everything from him?
A Sad Day in Corinth
Breaking news! Turns out those gifts Medea had her children deliver were dangerous. In fact, they were poisoned.
When the Princess Glauce first saw the children, she refused to take the presents. Jason convinced her to take them, though. I'm betting he sure regrets that now. Soon after Glauce tried on the golden dress and diadem, she began flaming at the mouth. She fainted, and her diadem burst into flames! Glauce burned to death. She attempted to rip the dress and diadem from her body, but they stuck. It wasn't long before she was unrecognizable. No one dared to touch her.
Only, King Creon didn't realize what had happened when he rushed in. As soon he touched his daughter, he began the same horrible process of dying. So not only has the Princess Glauce died, but King Creon as well. This is a sad day for the citizens of Corinth.
But it will be a worse day for Medea soon enough. It could only be her that killed the royals. What fate lies for her? Surely the only course of action is to execute her. I suppose we'll see soon, as the spies have told me that Jason is on his way to his old home to confront Medea.
When the Princess Glauce first saw the children, she refused to take the presents. Jason convinced her to take them, though. I'm betting he sure regrets that now. Soon after Glauce tried on the golden dress and diadem, she began flaming at the mouth. She fainted, and her diadem burst into flames! Glauce burned to death. She attempted to rip the dress and diadem from her body, but they stuck. It wasn't long before she was unrecognizable. No one dared to touch her.
Only, King Creon didn't realize what had happened when he rushed in. As soon he touched his daughter, he began the same horrible process of dying. So not only has the Princess Glauce died, but King Creon as well. This is a sad day for the citizens of Corinth.
But it will be a worse day for Medea soon enough. It could only be her that killed the royals. What fate lies for her? Surely the only course of action is to execute her. I suppose we'll see soon, as the spies have told me that Jason is on his way to his old home to confront Medea.
Suspicion
Citizens have stepped forward recently with some terrifying stories. Now, some accounts have gotten out of hand. There was one woman, whose name shall not be disclosed, who claimed that Medea was preparing to perform a voodoo witch ceremony that involved sacrificing half of Corinth's population to Hecate.
Another reportedly said he saw Medea conversing with Nemesis, the Greek goddess of revenge.
While these particular tales seem a little glamorized, all accounts have one similar theme. All of these citizens had personally seen Medea by her house, plotting for revenge. But it isn't Jason she allegedly vowed to kill. No, it is her own two young children Medea plans to murder. Medea was spotted lamenting about her unfaithful husband. Now, all of Corinth knows that Medea has been...upset lately, too put it lightly. If I'm being frank here, she has been utterly off her rocker. After Jason left her, she's been acting scary. By 'scary' I mean homicidal. But would she go as far to kill her own children? It's no secret Medea is dying for vengeance against Jason. But ultimately, this would hurt her more than it would pain him, right?
Personally, I don't think Medea will be able to go through with it. She's bonkers, but not that far gone. What mother could kill her own flesh and blood? Let's hope Medea will simply leave Corinth in peace. That is possible, right?
Another reportedly said he saw Medea conversing with Nemesis, the Greek goddess of revenge.
While these particular tales seem a little glamorized, all accounts have one similar theme. All of these citizens had personally seen Medea by her house, plotting for revenge. But it isn't Jason she allegedly vowed to kill. No, it is her own two young children Medea plans to murder. Medea was spotted lamenting about her unfaithful husband. Now, all of Corinth knows that Medea has been...upset lately, too put it lightly. If I'm being frank here, she has been utterly off her rocker. After Jason left her, she's been acting scary. By 'scary' I mean homicidal. But would she go as far to kill her own children? It's no secret Medea is dying for vengeance against Jason. But ultimately, this would hurt her more than it would pain him, right?
Personally, I don't think Medea will be able to go through with it. She's bonkers, but not that far gone. What mother could kill her own flesh and blood? Let's hope Medea will simply leave Corinth in peace. That is possible, right?
What is Going On?
Out of all the unbelievable things, this seems the most suspicious. Medea has spoken with Jason and apologized. That's right, apologized. She claimed that he was right in marrying Glauce. She told him that she forgave him and that her reaction was foolish. Sure, it was over-dramatic, but do you honestly think Medea believes that? She even proceeded to beg, truly admonish Jason to allow her children to remain in Corinth.
Jason, being the gullible man he is, didn't even question Medea's actions. He promised to request the king that his kids should stay. Now, even more suspicious, Medea has sent her kids to the palace. They are offering gifts to Princess Glauce to win her favor. The presents are a gorgeous golden dress and a matching diadem. This seems like a peaceful gesture, but I don't think so. What is Medea planning? Even if the gifts are actually given in kindness, will she really leave her children in Corinth with her half-wit of a cheating husband?
I believe Medea is up to her old tricks. Who knows what she could be planning? She is certainly conniving enough to get away with whatever it is. Let's only hope that King Creon catches her before her vengeance is complete. Otherwise, he may be left without a daughter or a kingdom.
Jason, being the gullible man he is, didn't even question Medea's actions. He promised to request the king that his kids should stay. Now, even more suspicious, Medea has sent her kids to the palace. They are offering gifts to Princess Glauce to win her favor. The presents are a gorgeous golden dress and a matching diadem. This seems like a peaceful gesture, but I don't think so. What is Medea planning? Even if the gifts are actually given in kindness, will she really leave her children in Corinth with her half-wit of a cheating husband?
I believe Medea is up to her old tricks. Who knows what she could be planning? She is certainly conniving enough to get away with whatever it is. Let's only hope that King Creon catches her before her vengeance is complete. Otherwise, he may be left without a daughter or a kingdom.
Medea the Manipulator
Guess who just paid Medea a visit? It was King Aegeus of Athens himself. Somehow, he and Medea are old friends. I know, I'm confused, too. How does Medea have a friend? This is the same Medea, right? King Aegeus hasn't mistaken her for another Medea?
Anyway, Aegeus was greatly distressed and on his way to visit the oracle. He badly wants children, and he and his wife are unable to produce any. Personally, this sounds like a serious medical problem that an oracle can't solve, but I'm just a gossip blogger, so what do I know.
Medea forced herself upon this poor, upset man. She managed to make him swear to the gods that he will protect her in Athens. However, there is a catch. Medea has to find her own way there. This makes no sense to me. Why can't he simply take her with him? It seems so much easier that way. This plan King Aegeus has come up with seems unnecessarily complicated. But Medea has somewhere to go once she is banished, now, so problem solved.
One thing does interest me, though. Why did Medea not mention her children would be coming with her to Athens?
Anyway, Aegeus was greatly distressed and on his way to visit the oracle. He badly wants children, and he and his wife are unable to produce any. Personally, this sounds like a serious medical problem that an oracle can't solve, but I'm just a gossip blogger, so what do I know.
Medea forced herself upon this poor, upset man. She managed to make him swear to the gods that he will protect her in Athens. However, there is a catch. Medea has to find her own way there. This makes no sense to me. Why can't he simply take her with him? It seems so much easier that way. This plan King Aegeus has come up with seems unnecessarily complicated. But Medea has somewhere to go once she is banished, now, so problem solved.
One thing does interest me, though. Why did Medea not mention her children would be coming with her to Athens?
Jason the Cheater
So Jason has done another incredibly idiotic thing. I know, I know. Just how many stupid mistakes can he make? The answer is: a lot.
He paid a visit to Medea. Not a bright idea. She was understandably angry. Her husband did leave her for another woman, after all. Instead of admitting that he left Medea because she is messed up in the mind, he made the most ridiculous excuse in the history if excuses.
Jason claimed that he only married Glauce behind Medea's back so that he could raise their station and give their children a royal position. Did he actually think she would fall for that? She didn't, of course, as it was the most absurd explanation ever, as we said before.
Medea claimed that she might have forgiven Jason, if he had told her he was leaving instead of just disappearing and having her find out from another. This seems vaguely reasonably. But her other reason was that she would have been able to forgive Jason if they didn't have children together. I don't believe that, and I'm sure my readers don't either. Even if they didn't have kids, there's no way she would have forgiven her unfaithful husband. Cheating is wrong, plain and simple. Combine that with a crazy woman? That was doomed not to end well. Really, what was Jason thinking? Cheating and then coming to her home to insult her? Maybe he's the insane one.
He paid a visit to Medea. Not a bright idea. She was understandably angry. Her husband did leave her for another woman, after all. Instead of admitting that he left Medea because she is messed up in the mind, he made the most ridiculous excuse in the history if excuses.
Jason claimed that he only married Glauce behind Medea's back so that he could raise their station and give their children a royal position. Did he actually think she would fall for that? She didn't, of course, as it was the most absurd explanation ever, as we said before.
Medea claimed that she might have forgiven Jason, if he had told her he was leaving instead of just disappearing and having her find out from another. This seems vaguely reasonably. But her other reason was that she would have been able to forgive Jason if they didn't have children together. I don't believe that, and I'm sure my readers don't either. Even if they didn't have kids, there's no way she would have forgiven her unfaithful husband. Cheating is wrong, plain and simple. Combine that with a crazy woman? That was doomed not to end well. Really, what was Jason thinking? Cheating and then coming to her home to insult her? Maybe he's the insane one.
Guess Who is Exiled Now
A witness tells me that King Creon has just had an intense conversation with Medea in front of her house. I can't believe she actually came out of her bedroom. But I'm sure she wishes that she hadn't. The news the king delivered was not the happy kind.
It turns out that Medea is being exiled from Corinth. She was puzzled, actually confused about the reason why. Just minutes ago she was standing out in public, announcing her hatred of Jason and the royal family. Medea cursed them all, in front of people. Did she really not expect for word to get back to the king?
The same witness informs me that she convinced King Creon to allow her to stay one more day, under the guise of her making arrangements for her children. Yeah, right. No one could believe that, right? Well, no one but King Creon, apparently. He believes that there is nothing Medea could effectively do in her search for vengeance in one measly day. The King is mistaken (but don't tell him I said so, that's treason). A lot more can happen in one day than he thinks. She could sneak into the palace and kill the princess and her new husband. Maybe she could burn the village down.
Personally, I think the best option would be to simply leave with what dignity she and left, which isn't much. But Medea isn't known for being rational. Who knows what she will do next.
It turns out that Medea is being exiled from Corinth. She was puzzled, actually confused about the reason why. Just minutes ago she was standing out in public, announcing her hatred of Jason and the royal family. Medea cursed them all, in front of people. Did she really not expect for word to get back to the king?
The same witness informs me that she convinced King Creon to allow her to stay one more day, under the guise of her making arrangements for her children. Yeah, right. No one could believe that, right? Well, no one but King Creon, apparently. He believes that there is nothing Medea could effectively do in her search for vengeance in one measly day. The King is mistaken (but don't tell him I said so, that's treason). A lot more can happen in one day than he thinks. She could sneak into the palace and kill the princess and her new husband. Maybe she could burn the village down.
Personally, I think the best option would be to simply leave with what dignity she and left, which isn't much. But Medea isn't known for being rational. Who knows what she will do next.
Medea is All Alone
Right now the spies are sending messages about what Medea is planning on. Except, it seems she isn't making revenge plans. She is locked up in her bedroom, wailing and moaning. She's wondering how her beloved husband could possibly abandon her. If only she realized that she was the problem.
Everyone knows that Medea is deranged. She has some issues about killing people, mainly not knowing that murder is not generally accepted as being okay. Medea has previously slaughtered her only brother for the Golden Fleece, which turned out to be pretty much useless in the end. Not to mention that time she tricked Pelias' daughters into assassinating their own father.
That's not the worse thing, though. The most horrible thing is that Medea doesn't understand how this is extremely illicit. So maybe Jason was right to leave her for Glauce, though Medea probably doesn't see it that way.
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