In answering the question of whether Creon is justified in banishing Medea from Corinth, we need to understand the social context in which his decision is made. At that time, everyone in society was expected to be part of a family network. There was no sense of self as we understand it today; one's existence was defined by membership of a larger group, be it family, demos, or tribe. As Medea has just been unceremoniously dumped by Jason, she is no longer part of any such group. She is all alone in Corinth, a stateless refugee with nowhere to go.

But Creon is entirely unconcerned at Medea's predicament. His obligation as king extends only to his subjects, and as a native of Colchis, Medea doesn't fall into that category. Although Creon's actions may appear cruel and insensitive, they are perfectly in keeping with the standards of the time.

Later on in the play, Medea gets her revenge on Creon. She gives his daughter Glauce a poisoned coronet and dress, and when Glauce puts them on, she suffers a painful, agonizing death. When Creon sees what's happening, he immediately rushes to Glauce's aid. But as he embraces his daughter, he too ends up suffering the same fate.