The Chorus enters, speaking to the Nurse. Medea is heard crying out, speaking regretfully of what she did to her own family to help Jason. The Chorus asks the Nurse to bring Medea out, so that they might comfort her. Medea enters, delivering a monologue on her sufferings and the sufferings of woman. Women, though creatures that can think and feel, must endure terrible indignities.
Marriage is necessary, and with marriage comes servitude.
And though men are free to indulge their appetites and enjoy the company of their friends, women must remain in the house and live for their husbands alone. Men must bear arms, but women must bear children. The Chorus does as she asks, telling her she is right to seek revenge. Creon enters, with attendants, and tells Medea that she and her two children are to be banished immediately. When Medea, distraught, asks why, Creon admits that he is afraid of her.