Medea

Question 1

In ‘Medea’ the nurse is who delivers the prologue, who is a former slave. Significant because it’s an outsider perspective. Or to win the competition Euripedes had to grab the attention of the audience. Since most tragedies were based on myths or shared stories. Therefore, everyone would/should know the story. Who delivered the prologue in other Ancient Greek Tragedies? How is it link to ‘Medea’?

Answer 1

Prologues were often delivered by various gods, mortals, or symbolic figures.
- Apollo in Eumenides by Aeschylus (the Greek god of the sun, music, and prophecy)
- Athena in Ajax by Sophocles (Ancient Greek goddess associated with wisdom, warfare, and handicraft )

Question 2

Why are prologues significant in Ancient Greek Tragedies

Answer 2

Prologues in ancient Greek tragedies set up the audience’s understanding of the play’s themes, conflicts, and emotional tone. Spoken by one or two characters before the chorus appears. The prologue usually gives the mythological background necessary for understanding the events of the play.