“Is Medea a Wife Only, or Also a Mother” Discuss.

Medea a Wife Only or Also a Mother

Medea was the Daughter of a king of Colchis which was a land of magic and enchantment. She was a sorceress, but at the same time was a symbol of maiden purity. She fell in love with Jason and subordinated everything to her love and passion. Jason, her husband, came across Glauce, the daughter of Creon, and secretly married her. It was a bitter betrayal and treachery which was a rude shock to her. Medea became furious and determined to take revenge on her husband.

 

What for did Medea Kill Her Own Children?

The Reason Medea Kill Her Own Children

Medea was not only a wife but also a mother. Though a barbarian, she loved deeply her children. Medea loved her children as much as any mother of the civilized races did. Now her love of the children had been turned into the bitterest hatred. It was not hatred for the children but for their father. She hated her children, and seeing them felt no joy. The servants had a misgiving that the children might be slain. She had often turned her wild and blood-thirsty eyes upon them. So the Nurses as well as the servants advised them not to go in the presence of their mother. We hear the lamentations of Medea from within. As soon as she saw her children, she flared up. She sought to destroy the children only with the father and the whole race. She excited a feeling of horror and our pity and sympathy as well. Medea was a wronged mother and wife. She killed the children only to rend Jason’s heart which would prove fatal to him. He failed to save them and it was a terrible wound to his heart. He could never forget it which would be a long suffering to him.

 

 

“Medea is More Sinned Against Than Sinning” – Justify the Statement.

Medea is More Sinned Against Than Sinning

Medea appears to be the mouthpiece of the oppressed women. She has given expression to her feelings very passionately. Euripides’ treatment of his subject irritates the simple man in two ways. He made his characters half-good and half-bad. He made a point of studying his characters sympathetically. Many regions of thought and character were exposed.

 

Bring out the Significance of the Episode of the Red Carpet in Aeschylus’ Play Agamemnon.

Significance of the Episode of the Red Carpet in Aeschylus’ Play Agamemnon

The Red Carpet plays a very significant role in Aeschylus’ play, Agamemnon. Agamemnon was the supreme commander of the Greek which besieged and destroyed troy. He was a great warrior and was enriched in exceptionally good qualities. At the same time he had many weaknesses. His besetting sin was his ‘hubris’ or pride. This evidently is one of the seven deadly sins from the point of view of the ancient Greeks.

Short Note on Homeric Similes.

Homeric Similes

Simile is a comparison between two different things dissimilar to each other. This similarity is shown with such words ‘as’ and ‘like’. Homeric similes are elaborate, point by point comparisons, giving an impression of magnificence. Homer has drawn his materials from the direct observation of life and nature around him. Besides, Homeric similes are strikingly picturesque. At times Homeric similes provide relief as well as suspense. For example Athens diverting an arrow aimed at Menelaus is compared to a mother. For describing a humble life a simile has great importance. These similes take us far away from strife-torn battle grounds to the humble life. A few similes relating to humble life are as a woman colors a piece of ivory for a bridle, a child makes castle of sand, diver dips into the water for Oysters carpenters building ships and so on. Lastly Homer’s similes are remarkable for this richness.

 

You Can also Read:

• Milton’s Use of Similes in Paradise Lost Book-1