Medea Thesis Paper

1. Medea Thesis Paper English 10

2. Use class discussion to help you formulate your ideas about Medea and Jason In this essay you will compare 1 character from their portrayal in the myth to who they become in the play. Begin by filling out the graphic organizer below in regards to character traits. Next, choose one character, write an introduction paragraph following the model below and lastly make a thesis statement explaining why you think the character you chose changed between the myth and the play.

3. Brain Storm: What are reasons for why both Medea and Jason changes between the myth and the story?

4. Your Essay Outline:

5. Introduction Paragraph Checklist

6. Example Introduction Paragraph (Attention Getter) The British playwright, William Congreve, said it best in his play, The Mourning Bride, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” (Summary of myth)In the “Jason and the Argonauts” myth, Jason, the hero, seeks the Golden Fleece that is held sacred by Colchis; lovingly, Princess Medea of Colchis aids Jason in his task. (Summary of Play)In Euripides’ play, Princess Medea of Colchis (and Priestess of Hecate) becomes a betrayed queen, who has already been exiled from her home land and Jason’s homeland of Iolcus. In the play Medea, the mythical Greek hero known as Jason prepares to marry Princess Glauce of Corinth to secure a throne for power and wealth. (Thesis) Callously, Jason makes his marital plans without telling his wife, Medea, and their two sons. Therefore, Medea becomes a vengeful, proud, and murderous scorned princess without a throne or a place to call home. Note how the thesis statement forecasts the content of the following body paragraphs.

7. Moving on from your Introduction:

8. Body Paragraph Checklist

9. Example Body Paragraphs (Arguments) (Restatement of part of thesis) When Jason leaves Medea, one of the first changes the audience observes is that she becomes be vengeful. (Summary of myth)In “Jason and the Argonauts” Medea was portrayed as something of a heroine. Originally, Medea was renowned for being clever as she aided Jason as he fought against unspeakable odds. (Summary of new trait)Medea in the play, however now actually has something to be vengeful for—she has been betrayed by whom she thought to be the love of her life. (Quote) After speaking to King Creon Medea states, “Everything’s set in every way against me. But don’t imagine this is all – not yet…I’ve time to turn three enemies to corpses—The father and the daughter, and my husband” (Euripedes 79). (Explanation) Medea is now planning to use her clever wits in the a divisive plot to kill all who have insulted her. Unlike her earlier role as heroine, Medea now treads in moral grey area as neither the audience, nor the Chorus can wholeheartedly approve of her revenge.

10. Repeat the process within 2 more body paragraphs. Active and Academic Verbs to Use in Critical Literary Analysis Emphasizes Elucidates Compares Suggests Creates Illustrates Exemplifies Parallels JuxtaposesImplies Alludes to Observes Identifies Organizes ReinforcesDefines Clarifies Contrasts Argues Mirrors Echoes Develops Connotes Focuses Balances Relates Expresses Insinuates

11. Conclusion Checklist

12. Grading Rubric