How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used Paul Roche's translation.
Quote #1
Nurse: [Medea] was in everything Jason's perfect foil, being in marriage that saving thing: a wife who does not go against her man. (1)
These lines reflect the ancient Greek idea that in a healthy marriage, men had all the control. As long as women behaved and did what they were told, everything was cool. Euripides's Medea could be seen as a cautionary tale, warning its Athenian audience of the dangers of such an imbalance of marital power.
Quote #2
Tutor: The father does not love his sons, but –
his new wedding bed. (16)
Check it out: Medea isn't the only one who thinks Jason's second marriage is messed up. Even the slaves think it's not a nice move. Of course, the Tutor's whole position in life is threatened by the new marriage. If Medea and the boys get exiled, what will happen to him?
Quote #3
Chorus: your husband has gone to adore
A new bride in his bed, why, this
Has often happened before. (25)
The Chorus begins the play by trying to talk some sense into Medea. You shouldn't be freaking out so much, they say. It's not like Medea is the first person to get dumped. Over the course of the play, however, Medea seems to win the Chorus over to her side.