Imagine that Medea is on trial for the murders of Glauce, Kreon, and her two sons. You have before you, in the
form of the text itself and your own notes on background material and classroom discussion, all of the relevant
evidence. Making direct references to and citing specific passages from the play, please do the following:
Make the best possible case for her prosecution. (1 @10-sentence paragraph)
Make the best possible case for her defense. (1 @10-sentence paragraph)
Render your verdict. (1 @5-sentence paragraph)
In your deliberations, consider such factors as motive, premeditation, extenuating circumstances, the presence
(or absence) of remorse, the laws and customs of her time, the crime of passion defense, Greek attitudes
toward barbarians, and a temporary/permanent insanity plea. Is either (or are all) of her homicides “justifiable?”
If so, on what grounds? If not, of what “degree” of murder should she be found guilty? What punishment would
suit her crimes? Does she deserve exile, imprisonment, execution, or the divine aid and human sanctuary she
ultimately receives?