Metalanguage in Medea

[g2gsofast]

hey guys, so I'm in the process of doing practice essays for Medea, but I think my essays really don't really discuss the metalanguage in the text. I'm a bit unsure what examples of metalanguage I can use, so does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks guy!! 

[OZLexico]

You are right to be thinking about metalanguage in "Medea." Greek Tragedy is a specific form of drama with specific terms for parts of its structure and types of dialogue. Remember to think of the Chorus as singing their lines (and they were accompanied by music).  Its not hard to remember "episodes" rather than "scenes" in the play.  Medea's "psychomachia" shows the difficulty she has in deciding to kill her children. The episode with Aegeus is a "peripeteia" that provides a clear change of fortune in Medea's plans against her enemies. You might also refer to staging elements of this play ("structures and features") - the physical barrier between the Chorus and Medea's house or Helios' chariot as well as the impact of the Messenger's speech. Also its okay to use terms like "moderation" ("sophrosyne") or "logic" ("logos"). Using these terms has to fit in with your discussion of your particular essay topic so don't just toss the metalanguage in there if it isn't relevant to the parts of the play you're quoting.   

[24lover]

Where to even begin!

Metalanguage can be found literally ANYWHERE. Metalanguage encompasses symbols, metaphors, imagery, stage directions and more (all of which Medea has many of).

Become an investigator, don’t just take the birds-eye view look at massive passages or paragraphs, dig deeper and look at specific:
* Passages
    * Medea killing her children - symbolic of killing off her ‘motherhood’
* Phrases
    * “Medea steps outside” (I can’t remember the specific wording, but it’s in the first few pages of the play) - symbolic of her stepping into the male sphere. This demonstrates how she isn’t going to accept her fate as a subservient, docile and discarded wife; she’s going to step into the male world by charging forward with dominance, stubbornness, and dignity.
* (Even more specific) Words
    * Medea is described as a “lioness” - emphasising her hubris and excess passion