Medea Gender Roles &
Theme Poster Project
Summary:
In Euripides’ Medea, the protagonist [Medea] abandoned the gender
roles of ancient Greek society. Medea defied perceptions of gender by
exhibiting both "male" and "female" tendencies. She was able to detach
herself from her "womanly" emotions at times and perform acts that
society did not see women capable of doing. However, Medea did not
fully abandon her role as a woman and did express many female
emotions throughout the play.
Objectives:
• Explore the context of Greek male and female gender roles
(theme).
• List examples of gender roles.
• Analyze how Medea breaks traditional roles and how that impacts
the audience.
• Create a presentation to teach peers and prepare for end of Medea
unit test.
List of Male and Female Roles within
Medea to look for…
Male Roles
Female Roles
Forceful
Nurturing / Life Giving
Willful
Modest / Dependent
Rational (less emotional)
Self Pitying
Proud / Boastful
Emotional
Violent
Jealous
Background Information
Consider Jason’s argument against Medea.
“A savage, bristling nature can do such harm, impossible
to deal with.” (emotional)
“but you could not give up your folly” (jealous vs. rational)
“Like a skillful captain of a boat, run out from under your noisy
squall of words.” (self pitying, emotional)
“Isn’t that like a woman? You believe while bed is right that
everything is right, but if you’re left alone between the sheets,
you treat your nearest and dearest friend as your worst enemy.”
(jealousy)
Background Information
Consider Jason’s argument against Medea.
Rubric
2 quotes + 2 explanations showing Medea as Woman _______________
(10 points)
2 quotes + 2 explanations showing 2 Gender reversals Medea as man ___
(10 points)
Analysis paragraph detailing how Medea breaks the stereotype of being a
woman. Analysis needs to include group opinions about whether Medea seems
to exhibit more male or female traits with explanations as to why. This
paragraph must also include your thoughts about how you think the audience
would have reacted to such a character.
(15 points)
Illustration of 2 images involving a conventional gender role and a gender
reversal
(10 points)
At least 3 well thought out connections/comparisons to present day female
heroes (chart, graphic organizer or paragraph). Is Medea more similar or
different than these characters?
(10 points)
Gender Roles and Medea
Medea as a Woman
“Quote-------------------------------------”
Explanation__________________
“Quote-------------------------------------”
Explanation__________________
Medea Gender Analysis
Paragraph
Analysis__________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
_________________
Medea as Man
“Quote-------------------------------------”
Explanation__________________
“Quote-------------------------------------”
Explanation__________________
Connections
Hero
1
Hero
4
Medea
Hero
3
Hero
2