Juliana Kulak Esch and Medea

By: Throughout the novel Esch references Medea and compares herself to her. Esch particularly relates to Medea's unrequited love for Jason,"In Mythology, I am still reading about Medea and the quest for the Golden Fleece. Here is something 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). Medea and Jason's relationship reminds Esch of her own relationship with Manny. Esch, despite her mother being dead, is a very strong young woman, yet, just like Medea, she is still vulnerable to heartbreak. Medea resonates with Esch because she is an example of how strong individuals are still not invincible. Also, Esch acknowledges that Manny does not love her and is using her, presumably, for sex just like how Jason used Medea for her magic. Esch understands what it is like to love someone who is only using them which is why she constantly compares herself to Medea and "knows her".


This is a painting by Charles-Andre van Loo and is titled Jason and Medea. It depicts Medea in a chariot being flown away by dragons and Jason discovering their dead children. It is an oil painting created in 1759.


Esch is a strong young woman which is why I believe an oak tree is a great symbol for her. She has survived so much and has not given up. Prior to the novel her mother died, her father abuses alcohol, she loves someone who doesn't love her back, is pregnant, and she lives through a catastrophic hurricane. Esch is incredibly strong and perseveres despite being faced with so many struggles.

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 30, 2017 at 11:15 AM

    This blog post is very good and picks up on many good ideas from the novel. One question I have is, could you possibly build upon the idea of Esch and Manny's relationship? You talk about how Manny doesn't love her, but how does she feel about manny? How does he affect her? I think the painting you used is perfect, and I like your symbolism of the oak tree. I think the strongest point in the post is where you analyze the quote, but if you could dig deeper into the quote it would be even better.

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