Salvage the Bones compared to Medea's Journey

- "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 my 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." (Pg. 38) 
- This moment takes place soon after Esch lay in the bathroom, throwing up incessantly, as she was experiencing one of the many symptoms of pregnancy. At this point, she has no one to turn to, since she feels that she can not confide in any of the people around her. However, when reading this quote it is apparent that she recognizes herself in Medea. The fact that Jason can convince her to carry out anything he requests, makes Esch contemplate her relationship with Manny. This passage not only helps her come to the realization that she is wildly infatuated with him but also demonstrates to the reader how influential this myth is in aiding Esch when processing her harsh reality. Just like Medea, Esch fell for a man who didn't care for her in return. Manny only wanted to take advantage of her, just as Jason used Medea to complete her father's tasks and to gain the Golden Fleece. 

I believe that this women represents Esch at the end of the novel because she is turning her back
 on the camera, just as Esch finally was able to turn away and let go of Manny. She is 
also looking confidently away, which is how I picture Esch when she finally accepts that she 
is going to be a mother and realizes that her family and friends are always there to support her.

Jason and Medea
Painted in 1907 by John William Waterhouse
The painting depicts the Colchian princess, Medea, preparing a magic potion 
for Jason to enable him to complete the tasks set for him by her father, Aeetes.