Write what you know about Jason.

Answer

Write what you know about Jason. [NU:  2014] 

Euripides (c. 480–406 BCE) presents Jason as a proud and selfish man in his famous play “Medea” (431 BCE). He is the cause of Medea’s suffering. He values power more than love. His ambition and betrayal make him one of the most tragic male figures in Greek drama.

Jason as a Hero: Jason is known as a Greek hero. He travels on the ship “Argo” to find the Golden Fleece. Medea helps him with her magic. She kills her brother for Jason’s safety. He becomes famous through her sacrifice. But he forgets her loyalty. His early heroism fades with time. His heroic past cannot hide his later faults. Euripides shows that fame without morality is hollow. Jason’s heroism belongs to his past, not to his present.

Jason’s Ambition: Jason is proud and greedy for power. He marries Glauce, the princess of Corinth. He says he wants a better life for Medea and the children. But his real goal is fame and position. Medea calls him a liar and coward. Jason says, 

“With no female sex … 

Men would be rid of all their troubles.” 

These words show his arrogance. His ambition blinds him to human feelings. Euripides uses Jason to criticize male pride and selfishness.

Jason’s Punishment: Jason’s greed and betrayal bring him ruin. Medea kills Glauce and Creon with poisoned gifts. She also kills their children. Jason loses everything—his new wife, his sons, and his peace. The Chorus says, 

“It’s a fearful thing for men 

to spill the blood of gods.” 

Jason’s power turns to pain. His dream of wealth ends in tears. His tragedy is moral and emotional. He becomes a broken man punished by his own choices.

Thus, Jason begins as a hero but ends as a sinner. His ambition and betrayal destroy his life. Euripides portrays him as a proud man whose