In ancient Greek drama, the chorus was a group of people used throughout the play to represent the beliefs of the citizens of the play’s setting, and show the audience how to feel over the course of the play. In Medea, written by Euripides, the chorus is a group of women, as opposed to the usual group of men. This occurs purposely, with the chorus meant to represent the beliefs of women, with women’s rights being a major theme of the play, but also to sympathize with Medea, a woman protagonist. In the beginning of the play,when Medea is cursing Jason and asking to die, the chorus thinks that she is overreacting. They believe that she is justified in being sad that Jason has left her, but she should not wish to die. However, when Creon exiles …show more content…
The beggar usually usually knelt before the person and in some cases, grasped their beard. The ritual was very serious, with the favor-granter having to keep their word. Medea’s explanation for her begging to Creon causes the audience to sympathize with her, but their point of view quickly changes when they realize how Medea has taken advantage of the ritual of supplication. After being exiled, Medea pleads for one more day in Corinth. She says that she must look for support for her children, and he does not understand this because he does not have children. This causes the audience to feel compassion for Medea, because she seems completely lost and has nowhere to go. Creon tells her that she can take one more day but if she is not gone by the next day, she will be killed. However, Medea then explains her begging to the chorus, diminishing the audience’s sympathy towards her. Medea says that she begged for one more day not for her children, but to get her revenge on Jason. She explains to the chorus that she will ask Jason to take care of their children, and have only her leave. To seal the deal with Jason’s new wife, Medea says that she will present her with poison laced gifts that will kill her when she puts them on. Them, Medea explains to the chorus that she will kill her own children, to hurt the man that has hurt her, Jason. She used the sacred tradition to plot to and