Medea Theme of Love

Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, is not very well appreciated in Euripides's Medea. Everywhere her hand is seen, destruction swiftly follows. Whether the love be romantic, paternal, or maternal, it always leads to death and despair. Quite often the characters even go so far as to beg the goddess to spare them the pains that love can bring. Overall, Medea seems to present a rather cynical view of the tenderest of emotions.

1. How does romantic love affect the action of the play?
2. Do you think Jason ever loved Medea? Why or why not?
3. What overall view of love does the play seem to take?
4. In what ways does each character express paternal or maternal love?

Love is a force of destruction in Medea.

Creon's sympathy towards Medea's sons, along with his love for his daughter, make him quite a sympathetic character.