Section Three: a solution
Medea and Aegeus (pp.68-71)
The scene between Medea and Aegeus has two movements. The first (p68) focuses on Aegeus’s
desire for children. The second focusses on Medea’s predicament and need for sanctuary (pp.69-71). Think about the nature and tone of Medea’s and Aegeus;s initial dialogue on pg 68. Is it
personal/intimate? Is the tone different to all we have observed thus far? If so, how? How
does Aegeus characterise Medea’s ‘mind’? Does this echo other character’s opinions? Does
Aegeus respect Medea? Who has the power in this exchange?
Now Closely consider the second movement – Medea’s crisis. How does Medea shift the
focus at the bottom of p.69 to herself? (carefully consider the stage directions)
Carefully re-read the rest of their dialogue than respond to theses prompts: -AEGEUS: Now I see why you are distressed, my lady. What exactly does Aegeus mean by this?
-Having gained Awgwus’s ‘sympathy’ Medea delivers her longest speech to him (bottom of p.69).
What are the ket pars of her appeal? How does the physically position herself? How does Medea play
on Aegeus’s sympathy and self-interest? Which do you think is more influential in his decision to
grant Medea asylum.
- ‘MEDEA:’ ..If mere promises made up out afreement and you had not sworn in the name of the
gods..’ Why might Medea insist that Aegeus swear an oath? Why does Aegeus agree with Medea
that is a good idea?
-Look at the last stage direction (p.70) and the final lines of their scene together p.71). consider now
who has the authority.
Medea and the chorus (pp.71-3)
This section closes with a dialogue between Medea and the chorus. Discuss the importance of the stage direction ‘(Exit Aegeus. Medea’s tone changes
completely.)’
Read and re-read the long speech she now delivers. It has two distinct parts. Part one
describes her plan to murder Glauce and ‘anyone else’ (Creon) who touches the poisoned
princess. Part two focuses on ‘the deed I must do next’ -the killing of her two sons. Write a
paragraph for each.
- For part one comment on Medea’s tone of voice, the reference to the sea, the reference
to ‘honeyed words’ and the details of her plan. Is it clever, chilling, horrible etc?
- -For part two carefully trace Medea’s reasoning – this is very important. Consider what
her motivations are -pride, revenge, hatred etc. What might references to ‘…words of a
Greek..’ and ‘..true fame in life’ imply about Medea’s scene of self? Is her thinking
founded on reason or passion? Are the feelings understandable and her aims justifiable? Euripides Techniques in this section Notice the sustained and rapid sequences of dialogue in each movement of Medea’s and
Aegeus’s dialogue. Is this unusual in the play? What effect might Euripides be looking to
create here?
Euripides concludes with longer speeches (bottom of p.69 onwards) by each character –
what is the point or function of theses longer speeches? Pay particular attention to the stage directions: what effect does Euripides achieve with
these?
Medea’s long speech (p.71) opens with a series of exclamation marks – what is the effect
of these? Overall
1. Comment on the importance of this section to the play as a whole:
- In terms of plot, what does Medea achieve?
- In terms of Medea’s character, what further evidence do we gain about her nature and
methods? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

• 1496127186-Section Three.docx

SuperTutor

(15)

Status NEW Posted 30 May 2017 06:05 AM My Price 15.00

-----------

Attachments

file 1496127196-Solutions file.docx preview (51 words )

S-----------olu-----------tio-----------ns -----------fil-----------e -----------Hel-----------lo -----------Sir-----------/Ma-----------dam----------- T-----------han-----------k y-----------ou -----------for----------- yo-----------ur -----------int-----------ere-----------st -----------and----------- bu-----------yin-----------g m-----------y p-----------ost-----------ed -----------sol-----------uti-----------on.----------- Pl-----------eas-----------e p-----------ing----------- me----------- on----------- ch-----------at -----------I a-----------m o-----------nli-----------ne -----------or -----------inb-----------ox -----------me -----------a m-----------ess-----------age----------- I -----------wil-----------l b-----------e q-----------uic-----------kly----------- on-----------lin-----------e a-----------nd -----------giv-----------e y-----------ou -----------exa-----------ct -----------fil-----------e a-----------nd -----------the----------- sa-----------me -----------fil-----------e i-----------s a-----------lso----------- se-----------nt -----------to -----------you-----------r e-----------mai-----------l t-----------hat----------- is----------- re-----------gis-----------ter-----------ed -----------onÂ----------- th-----------is -----------web-----------sit-----------e -----------Tha-----------nk -----------you----------- -----------

Not Rated(0)

• Buy Answer