• What is the significance of the information the Nurse gives the audience?

The nurse provides an informative context by summarising all the events that happened prior to the play as some sort of background information. The nurse’s tone seems like she is helpless in Medea’s situation with her family conflict and further explains the responsibility of nursing her children. The nurse explains to the audience the reason behind Medea’s neurotic behaviour- as she goes on to explain it was because she gave up everything for Jason, her husband of that time but he left her in order to capture more wealth. She is heartbroken and stricken with grief which is why she is reacting in this way.

• How does it influence our impressions of Medea’s character before we see her?

The way the nurse portrays Medea seems like she is a person who is easily manipulated, and gave up her family for the love of her life who she met just a few days ago – further amplifying the phrase “love is blind”. It makes me feel like she does not have any sense of responsibility and self control as she went against her father’s wishes, married Jason and killed her brother. She also indulged in tricking and cheating people which makes me think of her as a girl who will go to any extent to impress her love. However, another side of Medea is revealed when we see the grief she faces after Jason leaves her. This shows Medea’s bold and reckless personality as she plans appalling revenge on her ex-husband, Jason, to destroy everything she holds dear. 

• How does The Chorus develop the detail and themes outlined in the Prologue?   The Chorus used

The chorus develops the detail and theme by using a variety of vocal elements in order to dramatise the play while summarising what the nurse said. The chorus asked questions such as “where is she?” – this further speaks the thoughts of the audience.

• What dramatic effect is created?

The music that played to introduce the chorus was dramatic and was transitioning to the next part of the play. The tension and suspense that built up from the prologue and then the chorus caused the audience to think. The dim lighting and the sudden thud of the curtains opening that show violent Medea in the woods. Before this the chorus exaggerated the scene by also asking questions such as “where is she” evoking worry.

• How does Medea characterise her suffering to the audience in her initial address?

As the chorus of women enter Medea rages from the woods outside the house. There hasn’t been any speech yet but through her actions and screeching it can be inferred that she if in a lot of grief and pain.