“In Mythology, I am still reading about Medea and the quest for the Golden Fleece. Here is someone that I recognize. When Medea falls in love with Jason, it grabs me by the throat. I can see her. Medea sneaks Jason things to help him: ointments to make him invincible, secrets in rocks. She has magic, could bend the natural to the unnatural. But even with all her power, Jason bends her like a young pine in a hard wind; he makes her double in two. I know her.” (Ward 38)
The Quest of the Golden Fleece appeals specifically to Esch because, like Medea, she has fallen for someone who doesn’t love her back. After reading about how Medea offered so much to Jason but still never received the love she sought for, Esch realized that she was in the same situation. Never once rejecting Manny’s desires, he still never came around to love her. Esch, hurting from having to watch Manny being with his girlfriend and aware that he is the father of her baby, later realizes that she is not alone and has all the men she needs in her life.
In this picture, Medea is giving Theseus the poisoned cup, who is sitting next to his father King Aegeus.
Painted by William Russell Flint
I like how you talked about Medea's and Esch's unrequited love, making the connection that they were both manipulated men who pretended to love them. I also like how you point out Esch's change in perspective and how her path deters from Medea's. Esch does not seek revenge on Manny (even though she does try to beat him up a bit), but instead realizes that she does not need Manny to be happy. Instead, she surrounds herself with the men who actually appreciate her for who she is.
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