Medea

As the wedding draws closer, Medea grows even angrier. She expresses her astonishment that Jason could cruelly renounce her, especially since she has no family or connections in the foreign land to which she followed him: “Abandon me, alone in a foreign land/Unfeeling man!” (II.119-120). Medea wonders how best to avenge herself, and recollects the violent deeds she has already committed, including killing both her brother and King Pelias.

Medea begins to muse that perhaps Jason should not be held responsible for his actions. She alludes to the possibility that the powerful King Creon (Creusa’s father) has forced Jason to remarry. She expresses her hope that she and Jason might be able to reconcile and directs her hatred towards Creon, since “his untamed lust for power/Is breaking up [her] marriage, tearing a mother/Away from her children” (II.143-145).

The Nurse interrupts Medea, and suggests that if she can calm herself and conceal her true feelings, she will have the opportunity for more stealthy revenge. Medea rejects this advice, insisting on her need for flagrant and violent confrontation. Medea explains that she has nothing to fear because she has nothing to lose, and she does not care if her vengeance costs her life.