Activity: Medea

One possible “point” of Medea hinges on contrasting Medea and Jason’s characters. In order to fill out our understanding of that contrast, answer the following questions in your groups:

1. Search the play for at least four adjectives used to describe Medea. What kind of portrait does this add up to?

2. Search the play for at least four adjectives used to describe Jason. What kind of portrait does this add up to?

3. On pages 55-56 Medea and Jason have a vivid argument in which much of their motivation and character are revealed. Work with your group to summarize one of the character’s arguments, restating their key points in a single paragraph written in your own words. Additionally, note at least 2 or 3 key words, phrases, or sentences from the original passage that seem particularly revealing. How do these words influence the reader to think about the character and/or the argument in a certain way?

Odd numbered groups will focus on Medea’s speech (lines 454-507); even numbered groups will focus on Jason’s speech (lines 510-563).

4. Based on your understanding of the play so far, how do Medea and Jason inhabit their respective gender roles? That is, how is Medea feminine (or not)? How is Jason masculine (or not)? Cite at least two passages that support your argument about how the character meets or defies expectations based on gender.