Transcript Examine the language of the chorusx

Examine the language of the chorus. Think about connections between Athens and Medea. (p.42-43)
Roy, Astrid and Tess and Lee
Reference to the Athenian King and Greek Gods
Erechtheus - archaic king of Athens, from the earth
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“The people of Athens, sons of Erechtheus... children of blessed gods”
Nine virgin Muses - inspirational goddesses, sources of knowledge
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“Was born golden-haired Harmony” - indicates ‘fairness’ both in hair colour and morality. The personification of
“Harmony” suggests those in Athens to be “born” into the titles of prosperity, lawful and blessed, juxtaposing Medea’s
birth into a land of barbarians. The muses place emphasis on knowledge and reason, whereas Medea places
importance on subjective justice and emotion.
Aphrodite - goddess of love
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‘Her flowing locks she crowns with a diadem of sweet scented roses’ suggests Aphrodite’s value and defining
qualities linked directly to her outward appearance, antithesis of medea who is arguably defined by her power,
vengefulness etc.
Cephisus - god of the river.
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“In the clear stream of the lovely Cephisus” suggests Medea, “the child-killer whose presence is pollution” will pollute
Imagery and extended metaphor
“Children of blessed gods, they grew from holy soil unscorched by invasion”
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Athens is portrayed as a holy land, whose residents descend from the gods, and untouched by foreign invaders. This is
contrasted by the arrival of Medea whose ‘presence is pollution’
“You, the child-killer whose presence is pollution?”
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The use of the label “child-killer” signifies this will be her defining quality/trait after her act of murder. The metaphor of “pollution”
suggests her corruption to be so great that she will contaminate the pure city of Athens purely through her presence.
“Your heart will melt; you will know you cannot.”
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The act of infanticide will weigh heavily on Medea’s conscience, and she will be unable to cope
Use of diction to reflect Medea’s alienation
“They” versus “you” - exclusive pronoun to represent Medea’s separation and inherent antithetical values,
unable to assimilate into Athenian Society.
Description of Aphrodite vs Description of Medea “she who breathes over the land the breath of sweet
honey winds” vs “presence of pollution”. Complete antithesis to Aphrodite, the ideal Athenian woman.
Justice of Chorus and of Medea
Chorus: “Since you have told us everything, and since I want to be your friend, and also to uphold the laws of human life - I tell you,
you must not do this!”
Medea: “No other thing is possible. You have excuse for speaking so: you have not been treated as I have”.
Chorus: “But - to kill your own children! Can you steel your heart?”.
Medea: “This is the way to deal Jason the deepest wound”.
Chorus: “This way will bring you too the deepest misery”
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The chorus are represented to be ‘wise women’, however they were born and bred in Corinth, while Medea has traveled the
world, seen and experienced things.