Question

In a play MedeaL Why, aside from how it breaks the conventions of tragedy and how it builds up slowly, is the childs murder so horrific in comparison to the princesses?

Answer 1

The murder of the child in Medea is more horrific due to breaking conventions, building up slowly, and the psychological understanding of the characters.

Step-by-step explanation:

The murder of the child in the play Medea is more horrific compared to the murder of the princesses for a few reasons:

Breaking the conventions of tragedy: In traditional tragedies, the violence and tragedy usually occur offstage and are only described or reported.

However, in Medea, the murder of the child is shown on stage, which intensifies the horror and impact for the audience.

Building up slowly: Throughout the play, Medea's anger and desire for revenge against her husband Jason grows.

This slow build-up creates an emotional attachment and investment in the characters, making the murder even more shocking and disturbing when it finally happens.

Psychological understanding: Euripides, the playwright, focuses on the psychological aspects of events and characters.

In Medea, he portrays the desperation and extreme emotions of a woman who has been wronged, which contributes to the horrific nature of the child's murder.