Gender in Medea

A detailed Summary of Gender in Medea

Discuss the ways one or more texts explore the politics of gender

The dramatic text Medea allows an exploration into the politics of gender within patriarchal Ancient Greek society. Medea who is the protagonist of the dramatic play, challenges and confronts the existing power relationship, gender constructions and patriarchal ideologies within ancient Greek society. In doing so she is able to steadily empower herself and shift gender constructions through using traditional patriarchal construction of her femininity, appropriating masculine strategies and striking at symbols of patriarchal power.

Medea, the female protagonist is able to challenge the existing dominant patriarchal society of ancient Greece by using the traditional patriarchal society of ancient Greece by using the traditional patriarchal construction of her femininity as a strategy to turn against men and manipulate them therefore, enabling to empower her own self, by her manipulation of certain situations. This is first exemplified in her encounter with Kreon, King of Corinth. Initially in the play, Kreon assumes a traditional masculine dominant stance over Medea, characterized by his dominant modes of behaviour and language. Kreon who is a representatio

Medea also provides an exploration of gender when she challenges the dominant patriarchal society of ancient Greece by appropriating masculine strategies. This shift in gender constructions emerges particularly at the end of the play, and gives evidence the gender issues are never simple, and that individuals may empower themselves by shifting 'norm' gender constructions. Medea speaks in a calm composed manner and the brevity and certainty of her speech particularly at the end, "I have your heart," signifies her power over Jason. She is able to shift the gender constructions by adopting a masculine discourse and therefore attain a sense of superiority. This is exemplified when in the play at the ends, Jason is groveling at Medea's feet yet she keeps a dominant stance and posture and replies "Speak up the Gods can't hear." The short, curt last words of the play also reflect this, " No request denied," and also shows the shift in power among the characters.

Medea also adopts a traditional feminine discourse in her encounter with Jason, whom she also is able to manipulate and show a shift in power among characters. She reverts to the weak, subordinate role of the female and blames her earlier behaviour on the fact that she is a female, "We women, we are what we are, our natures how can we help them." She also displays traditional feminine qualities such as crying and speaks in a highly emotional manner concerning the fate of their children, therefore appealing to Jason's paternal love he has for his children, " My exiles' not the question... children... be Kreon to let them stay." Once again Medea is able to manipulate the gender constructions within Greek society and gives evidence of an exploration into gender.

Medea is also able to exert power over the manhood of Aigeus whom she manipulates in

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Approximate Word count = 1224
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English