Central to the drama and tragedy of this play is how we understand the role of women in our society. Whether we are discussing women in the context of marriage and divorce, or in women's place in the pyramid of power as citizens in society, and certainly in their position as mothers. This play demands that we examine why Medea does what she does; you cannot do this without considering gender.

Have you ever considered how far texts offer insight into another culture? Or how their meaning and impact can change over time? Well these questions are at the heart of the Area of Exploration Time and Space. Medea is a play where these questions must be asked. Written over 2000 years ago, at a time when women weren't allowed to attend the theatre, it is a play about how one woman is left by her husband and how she wants to punish him  - to ruin him, even. What takes place is brutal and shocking. An interesting comparison which explores the powers of oppression and justice might be made by looking at Shakespeare's Othello.

The lines from this play spill over with violence. They are perfect to analyse in the Individual Oral exam.

Download this table and fill in important quotations to help you revise for your P2 exam!

Who is the woman, Medea? How should we understand her? What would you ask her if you could? Use this task to help develop your understanding