Paper #2 11/22/05

Prof. Anderson

A33320865

Messenger A nalysis

The messenger in Euripides' play The Medea plays and essential role. The messenger in the play is a slave of the royal house. He is not a nurse or any other particularly significant role that would, make him stand out against the other slaves. His role in the play is simply a role of a storyteller. He is sent to deliver news that Medea's dress that she smeared with poison has had the desired effect, and killed the princess Creusa and her father king Creon. He saw the event first hand and has come to tell Medea that she must flee before she is murdered for her treacherous acts. The messenger states that he was originally overcome with joy along with the majority of the other slaves; when they thought Medea and the king had reconciled and the kids...