How does Euripides change our impression of Jason throughout the text?
In Euripides’ Greek tragedy, Medea; the antagonist Jason is initially portrayed as a traitor to his wife (Medea) and as the events progress he is portrayed as the victim in the play. Euripides has achieved the initial impression by getting the perspective of other women in the play such as the Nurse and the Chorus to sympathise with Medea. “Jason has betrayed my lady and his own children for a princess’ bed” (line 18-19), in this quote, the Nurse is partial to Medea through Euripides use of ‘my lady’ and strong use of language such as ‘betrayed’. In addition, the Chorus has sided with Medea by stating that; “it is just that you should take revenge upon your husband”. The Nurse and the Chorus’ perception of Jason can be very
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However, their perception is entirely biased due to the context. They are influenced by the fact that they are women who are oppressed and controlled by the patriarchy,which existed in ancient Greece. This factor was bravely explored by Euripides, despite the prospect of social backlash and the possibility of his play not succeeding when Medea states; “of all creatures that have life and reason we women are the most miserable of specimens!” After presenting the audience with a female-dominated perspective, Euripides then introduces Jason to the play to defend his actions. Jason provides the audience with alternate perspective when mentions, “you speak your foolish mind and for this exile is to be your reward”. However, at this stage, it could be said that the audience’s perspective of Jason is unlikely to change because Euripides has provided partial and biased opinions of him so far. This is supported by Euripides utilising Medea to rebut Jason’s defence, “you unfeeling monster… you man of stone!” reminding the audience of the Nurse and the Chorus’ perspective. But as events progress and the nature of Medea’s character unravel, the audience’s attention shifts from