Medea

These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the play.

Pre-Reading Icebreaker

When you think of witches, what do you imagine? How is the spoken word a power?

Teaching Suggestion: One of the central themes of this text is witchcraft: the power of the word, and this prompt is meant to help students start to think of Medea as a witch not only because of her potions (such as the one she uses to poison her gifts to the princess) but also because of the ways that she uses words to enact her revenge.

• The Encyclopaedia Britannica has an article on Hecate, the goddess of magic and spells. Medea prays to Hecate before brewing her poison.

Post-Reading Analysis

Consider the question the Chorus poses to us at the play’s end: “Think of the story we’ve just listened to: / Who won? Who lost?” (Lines 1396-1397). Is it that simple? What do you think?

Teaching Suggestion: Encourage students to think about the complicated dynamics of this story. Medea has committed the unspeakable, but she has also been driven mad by her husband’s betrayal and subsequent actions.