Monday, July 14, 2014

What is Medea's tragic flaw?

One of the reasons as to why Medea is such a compelling
character is because she does not have one particular tragic flaw.  Her tragic condition
is the result of a convergence of flaws.  I think that these can be summarized by the
idea of Medea not recognizing any balance in her emotions.  She fled her father's home
with an intensity of emotions invested in Jason that were never calculated nor any type
of deliberation present.  This same abandon is seen when Medea kills her brother.  It is
also evident when Medea cannot accept that Jason has stopped loving her and loves
another.  While Medea does consider the implications of killing her own children, it is
to no avail as the intensity of her emotions overcomes all reason.  When the Nurse
understands Medea's true nature, the protagonist's flawed condition is revealed: 
"She'll not stop raging until she has struck at someone." This lack of emotional balance
is what ends up driving her desire for revenge, causing her to kill her own children,
and is the lasting remnant of her character.

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