Medea : Quotations
Medea is a notable literary work by Euripides. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Medea.
Quotations
Quotes
“We women are the most unfortunate.” (Medea)
Explanation: Medea states women’s helplessness in a male-dominated world. Their lives depend on men and social laws. This makes them vulnerable.
“I understand too well the dreadful act I’m going to commit, but my judgment cannot check my anger.” (Medea)
Explanation: Medea recognises the horror of her deed but feels passion and rage overpower reason, the tragedy of passion over judgment.
“I’ve made up my mind, my friends. I’ll do it—kill my children now, without delay.” (Medea)
Explanation: A final, irrevocable resolve, she chooses the extreme act to wound Jason completely; the line shows cold deliberation.
“No, I’m a different sort—dangerous to enemies, but well disposed to friends.”
Explanation: Medea defines herself: fiercely loyal to those she loves, merciless to those who betray her, a moral polarity.
“I’m … dangerous to enemies.” (Medea)
Explanation: A terse claim of power, Medea warns that her resources (magic, cunning) make her lethal to foes.
“It’s a fearful thing for men to spill the blood of gods.” (Chorus)
Explanation: A moral/religious warning: acts against divine order (or sacred kin) invite dire consequences, theme of sacrilege and cosmic law.
“I understand too well… but my judgment cannot check my anger.” / “I’ll do it—kill my children now.” (Medea)
Explanation: Together, these lines reduce Medea’s tragic logic: full awareness + uncontrollable rage = catastrophic action.
“It’s a fearful thing for men to spill the blood of gods.” (Chorus)
Short explanation: The Chorus warns that killing those with divine blood (Medea’s children are Helios’s descendants) is sacrilegious and invites cosmic retribution.
“With no female sex … men would be rid of all their troubles.” (Jason)
Short explanation: Jason utters a blunt, misogynistic generalisation. He blames women (and Medea in particular) for men’s troubles. The line exposes his insensitivity and helps justify Medea’s rage.