Medea essay topic please help

[Cassidyhogi]

“Ah the loves of mortal men! What a boundless source of woe!” To what extent does Medea show that love brings pain?”

What does the “To what extent” part mean? Is it implying that there are other consequences of love?

Thank you

[zofromuxo]

"To what extent" is asking how much pain was created by love.

There are other different types of love that can be argued they caused different consequences.

Jason for example forsakes the God and also love only himself. The consequences of that is he is unable to realise the wretched plot Medea has for him.

Medea's love for her children cause her great agony as she has to decide following her hatred for Jason or love for her children.

You can also mention Glauce's love for shiny objects led to her horrific demise, I think Medea mentions about how she will be won over be these objects to allow her children to stay in Corinth as opposed to her love for Jason

[rnrn]

“Ah the loves of mortal men! What a boundless source of woe!” To what extent does Medea show that love brings pain?”

What does the “To what extent” part mean? Is it implying that there are other consequences of love?

Thank you

The 'to what extent' part is asking you to respond with a 'yes, but...' sort of answer.

[clarke54321]

Also, think about the question: Is love inherently evil? Do any of the characters thrive/feel elated because of it?

[Cassidyhogi]

Also, think about the question: Is love inherently evil? Do any of the characters thrive/feel elated because of it?

Well I know love isnt inherently evil but Euripides seems to only show that in the play. The only rebuttal I can think of is that through the consequences of excessive love, Euripides is perhaps endorsing love in moderation??

[LifeisaConstantStruggle]

Love can be constructive as well. eg: Medea's love towards Jason enabled him to successfully complete the quest to obtain the Golden Fleece, and Aegeus' love towards Medea as he offers her sanctuary in Athens. So you can challenge the prompt with this.