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| Character | Jason | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | |
| Age Range(s) | Young Adult (20-35), Adult (36-50) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | Persuasive, Descriptive, Reminiscing life story/Telling a story | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Period | Ancient Greek | |
| Genre | Tragedy, Drama | |
| Description | Jason explains to Medea why he is leaving her | |
| Location | Scene 3 | |
Summary
The play centers on the revenge by Medea on her husband Jason after he leaves her for another woman, Glauce, the daughter of King Creon.
In this scene Jason confronts Medea. Medea scolds him for leaving her and in this monologue Jason explains the reasons why he is leaving her. He argues that he is not leaving her because he doesn't love her. He just can't pass up the opportunity to marry a princess. He hopes to eventually marry Glauce but still keep her as a mistress.
In this scene Jason confronts Medea. Medea scolds him for leaving her and in this monologue Jason explains the reasons why he is leaving her. He argues that he is not leaving her because he doesn't love her. He just can't pass up the opportunity to marry a princess. He hopes to eventually marry Glauce but still keep her as a mistress.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
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| JASON: I ought not to be rash, it seems, in speech, But like the skilful pilot, who, with sails Scarce half unfurled, his bark more surely guides, Escape, O woman, your ungoverned tongue. Since you the benefits on me conferred Exaggerate in so proud a strain, I deem That I to Venus only, and no god Or man beside, my prosperous voyage owe. Although a wondrous subtlety of soul To you belong, 'twere an invidious speech For me to make should I relate how Love By his inevitable shafts constrained you To save my life. I will not therefore state This argument too nicely, but allow, As you did aid me, it was kindly done. But by preserving me have you gained more Than you bestowed, as I shall prove: and first, Transplanted from barbaric shores, you dwell In Grecian regions, and have here been taught To act as justice and the laws ordain, Nor follow the caprice of brutal strength. By all the Greeks your wisdom is perceived, And you acquire renown; but had you still Inhabited that distant spot of earth, You never had been named. I would not wish For mansions heaped with gold, or to exceed The sweetest notes of Orpheus' magic lyre, Were those unfading wreaths which fame bestows From me withheld by fortune. I thus far On my own labours only have discoursed. For you this odious strife of words began. But in espousing Creon's royal daughter, With which you have reproached me, I will prove That I in acting thus am wise and chaste, That I to you have been the best of friends, And to our children. But make no reply. Since hither Iolchos' land I came, Accompanied by many woes, and such As could not be avoided, what device More advantageous would an exile frame Than wedding the king's daughter? Not through hate To you, which you reproach me with, not smitten With love for a new consort, or a wish The number of my children to augment: For those we have already might suffice, And I complain not. But to me it seemed Of great importance that we both might live As suits our rank, nor suffer abject need, Well knowing that each friend avoids the poor. I also wished to educate our sons In such a manner as befits my race And with their noble brothers yet unborn, Make them one family, that thus, my house Cementing, I might prosper. In some measure Is it your interest too that by my bride I should have sons, and me it much imports, By future children, to provide for those Who are in being. Have I judged amiss? You would not censure me, unless your soul Were by a rival stung. But your whole sex Hath these ideas; if in marriage blest Ye deem nought wanting, but if some reverse Of fortune e'er betide the nuptial couch, All that was good and lovely ye abhor. Far better were it for the human race Had children been produced by other means, No females e'er existing: hence might man Exempt from every evil have remained. |
