Monday, January 16, 2012

In writing an essay comparing Medea and Antigone, on what should I focus in both protagonists?

I think that one of the most valid points of comparison in
writing about both protagonists is that they are representative of strong women. 
Sophocles and Euripedes construct women who are the very epitome of strength.  They
resist social conventions and the judgments of others in what they believe.  Being a
woman does invoke more criticisms of their actions, but this is something they dismiss
in the name of their belief systems.  Medea is told that as a mother, she must honor her
children and not "cross that line," while Ismene implores Antigone to reconsider her
actions as a woman.  I think that you can find some similarities in their speeches of
why they must do what they must do.  Comparing their language in tone in several moments
where they express their conviction could prove to reflect some basic similarity between
them.  Another point of comparison would be to point out how their positions, regardless
of strength, bring about despair and destruction, as a result.  Antigone's own life is
taken, as well as Creon's son who is in love with Antigone, and Creon's wife. As for
Medea, Jason is forced to see his children murdered by their mother.  In the end, these
positions of strength are non- negotiable ends, and the result is death for those who
are fated to love them.

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