Imagery in The Medea

Imagery Examples in The Medea:

The Medea

"Yet her eye— Know ye the eyes of the wild kine, The lion flash that guards their brood?..." See in text (The Medea)

The noun “kine” means a herd of cows; “wild kine” is a group of rabid, or wild cows. Within this first section of the play, the images and metaphors used to describe Medea align her with a savage monster or an animal. This suggests that Medea’s rage has turned her into a beast; she has shed her humanity.

Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff

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"That fell sea-spirit, and the dire Spring of a will untaught, unbowed. Quick, now!—Methinks this weeping cloud Hath in its heart some thunder-fire,..." See in text (The Medea)

Notice that the nurse describes Medea as if she were a beast or threatening monster. She compares Medea to a “sea-spirit,” a “weeping cloud,” with a “frozen heart” and “thunder-fire.” All of these images imply that Medea is a monster that cannot be controlled and will be dangerous.

Caitlin, Owl Eyes Staff

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