The gods in the play Medea both act as a scapegoat and a reference for Medea and Jason. Jason and Medea respect and honor the gods in Medea by Sophocles but use the gods as a source to help them prove their points of view and how to obtain what they want.
JASON
q "Do you suppose the gods of old no longer rule?" (Medea 48). Jason refers to the gods when he wants to prove a point or to really emphasize something to Medea. He says this to point out to Medea that nothing has changed and that she should except the fact that
q “Well, as far as I am concerned, it was Aprodite and no one else in heaven or earth who saved me on my voyage” (Medea 50). Jason does not believe that he was helped through his voyage but only refers to the gods out of fear and respect.
q “In that case, heaven be my witness…” (Medea 52). Jason says this because the gods hold such an important role in the Greek traditions and they are greatly feared and respected.
MEDEA
q “O Zeus, what made you give us clear signs for telling mere glitter from true gold, but when we need to know the base metal of a man no stamp upon his flesh for telling counterfeit?” (Medea 49). Medea looks to the gods to confirm what they desire rather than actually asking for what they wish.
q “O Zeus, remember the author of this crime” (Medea 43). She says this because they will act as the source of her revenge and a witness to the situation.
- “O might Themis, and Artemis, Queen…” (Medea 38). She calls upon the gods whenever she is in distress or needs help. They are her “friends”.
No comments:
Post a Comment