Inconsistent Sympathy - Medea
When observing relationships, the onlooker's sympathies can change from one person to another in a matter of seconds. Situations change, motives which can be hidden are revealed, and time affects outcomes. Other people can influence certain opinions, therefore making it difficult to consistently feel for only one side of the argument. Throughout Medea, the audience's sympathies are shifted between Medea and Jason, with Jason ultimately emerging as the character with which most of the audience would side. In the beginning of the play, the audience's sympathies are extended towards Medea. Before Medea is introduced, the Nurse explains why Medea is in great agony. She tells how Medea and Jason once had a wonderful relationship and everything started out well. Speaking of her mistress, she says, "...she will neither eat nor drink, except her own tears, She turns her face towards the earth, remembering her father's house and her native land, which sh
Although Medea was deeply agonized and troubled because of Jason's actions, she turned to vengance and took her anger out on innocent victims. I am praying to my gods for wisdom, And you for mercy. His daughter was an innocent victim who unfortunately fell in between the animosity and tension of Medea and Jason. Jason stood in their smoke, and his hands tore His unhelmeted hair. My sons are still very young, tender and helpless. Audiences naturally sympathize with the innocent and pity is felt for Medea because she has no control over the punishment. " (86) This shows how deeply depressed Medea is and the strong wording conveys Jason's hatred for her. At the end of the play, Jason emerges as the more sympathetic character of the two because Medea kills their innocent sons. e abandoned for the love of this man: who now despises her. In the midst of his shock and anger, Jason says to Medea, ". Medea is greatly sympathized when she is banished from Corinth because of the knowledge that her innocent children were to be exiled as well. Let me touch their dear flesh, let me touch their hair!" (124) This shows the audience how hurt Jason is and how he so dearly yearns for his sons.
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