Vengeance: punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong.
Medea's relentless pursuit of vengeance is legendary. She is driven by a passionate desire to right the wrongs done to her and sacrifices even her own children in the pursuit of satisfaction. Medea shows audiences the horror that can come when a person lets desire for revenge rule her life. At several points the Chorus (once sympathetic to her plight, but now beginning to be more horrified at her plans and actions) tells her that if she kills her children, she will suffer like no other woman has. Medea’s response: “So be it!” (Line 820) Further on Medea states: “I have no choice, old man, none at all.” (Line 1014)
1. Medea thinks it's necessary to kill her sons to get revenge on Jason. This wasn’t the initial plan which was to kill Jason in their place. Why does she change her mind and kill her sons instead of Jason.
2. Does Medea suffer any consequences for her revenge?
3. What's the difference between revenge and justice?
Extended:
- Ultimately, is Medea a play about revenge or passion?
1. Medea thinks it's necessary to kill her sons to get revenge on Jason. This wasn’t the initial plan which was to kill Jason in their place. Why does she change her mind and kill her sons instead of Jason.
2. Does Medea suffer any consequences for her revenge?
3. What's the difference between revenge and justice?
Extended:
- Ultimately, is Medea a play about revenge or passion?
