A distinct combination of pain, suffering, and the far-fetched makes Oedipus a tragedy that will stand the test of time. Even though, this story is set in fifth century Greece it is still one of the world's most well known plays. I believe this is due to the fact that in a relatively short amount of time, the story comments on a full spectrum of human emotion.
We first see Oedipus as the noble king. The one who can do no wrong, and had previously saved Thebes from the song of the sphinx. He searches for a way to save his city from illness and sterility no matter the consequence; which is why the play's ending carries such resounding sadness. The play is so emotional because of Oedipus's likability. Despite all of his wrongs: unknowingly killing his father, marrying his mother, and fathering his siblings; I still feel sympathy for Oedipus at the play's ending. Only a truly great and complex character could withstand all of those horrific actions. The Oedipus we know as a king and a hero contrasts so heavily with the Oedipus we meet in the end that we as readers are torn in two directions. One, towards Oedipus the just man who saved Thebes from the sphinx; the second towards Oedipus the murderer and committer of incest. There was know way for Oedipus to foretell what would befall him. The play is so dramatic because we as an audience start to realize who Oedipus really is before he does. It is hard to tell whether or not he is in denial for most of the play. It is obvious that he would die before admitting these horrific acts; however, he will not let himself reach the realization that he is the murderer of Laios his father, and husband of Iocaste, his mother.
Oedipus's final act of self-punishment was the most tragic action of the play. To him, the pain of stabbing out his own eyes could not hurt more than the destruction of his and his families honor. This fact makes Oedipus a truly deep and relatable character. He hated himself so much that he does not believe he deserves to see the world or any of its beauty again. He was blind in his hunt for the murderer of Kind Laios, so he forces himself to physically take his own sight because of his ignorance. I do not think I will ever make a finite decision about Oedipus's character. He was a well intentioned ruler, whom the fates picked for destruction.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Eyes: Chapters 13, 14, 15
13:
Tea Cake is the exact opposite of each man that has been apart of Janie's life. He is the redemption of her long forgotten vision of the "pear tree;" perfect in all of his imperfection. At first, I was skeptical of this new youngster who was set on marrying Janie. However, after we find out he did not maliciously steal her money, I started to reform my opinion. He undoubtedly engages in somewhat impulsive and risky behavior, yet he still seems to capture Janie's heart. His actions may have been immature, but his intentions were kind. He aims to make Janie as happy as she has made him. The contrast between Tea Cake and Jody, makes the former an even more likable and trustworthy character. Tea Cake is honest and fair, telling Janie that, "When I ain't got nothin', you don't git nothin'." He is full of the ideas and passion, which are starting to be reborn inside of Janie. She is finding herself again, with Tea Cake by her side. She feels what she can only describe as a "self crushing love" for him. And because of this, in the chapter's final paragraph, Janie's "soul crawled out from its hiding place."
14:
Janie and Tea Cake journey to the Everglades. They do not know what to expect, but it does not really seem to matter. This is where it is obvious that Janie comes into her own. She and Tea Cake find themselves a home, and Tea Cake secures a bean picking job. Tea Cake taps a hidden talent of Janie's, a "man's" talent no less, of shooting. He treats her as an equal; as both a friend and a wife. It is obvious that he does not expect her to be submissive. He goes as far as to take her out to pick beans with him. Janie is finally experiencing the give-and-take relationship, similar to the bee and the blossom, that captivated her as a teenager. Tea Cake does not expect or ask for any more than her love and presence. The love that they share seems to draw all of the workers to their porch. Right in their front yard the two stumble upon a hidden culture; one of poverty, pain, and the blues, and also an intensely irresistible happiness.
15:
Chapter 15 is brief, but it summarized a lot about Janie and Tea Cake's relationship. It is obviously about the passion and love the two share for one another. It is again an example of give-and-take, this time coupled with raw emotion. What does everyone else think of Chapter 15's powerful three pages?
After reading this section of the novel it was hard to stop smiling. Hurston honestly communicates the joy that exists between the two individuals, which resulted in a very emotional response in me personally. Janie has found the love that has always eluded her; a love that each of us only dreams of. How did everyone else feel about this section?
Tea Cake is the exact opposite of each man that has been apart of Janie's life. He is the redemption of her long forgotten vision of the "pear tree;" perfect in all of his imperfection. At first, I was skeptical of this new youngster who was set on marrying Janie. However, after we find out he did not maliciously steal her money, I started to reform my opinion. He undoubtedly engages in somewhat impulsive and risky behavior, yet he still seems to capture Janie's heart. His actions may have been immature, but his intentions were kind. He aims to make Janie as happy as she has made him. The contrast between Tea Cake and Jody, makes the former an even more likable and trustworthy character. Tea Cake is honest and fair, telling Janie that, "When I ain't got nothin', you don't git nothin'." He is full of the ideas and passion, which are starting to be reborn inside of Janie. She is finding herself again, with Tea Cake by her side. She feels what she can only describe as a "self crushing love" for him. And because of this, in the chapter's final paragraph, Janie's "soul crawled out from its hiding place."
14:
Janie and Tea Cake journey to the Everglades. They do not know what to expect, but it does not really seem to matter. This is where it is obvious that Janie comes into her own. She and Tea Cake find themselves a home, and Tea Cake secures a bean picking job. Tea Cake taps a hidden talent of Janie's, a "man's" talent no less, of shooting. He treats her as an equal; as both a friend and a wife. It is obvious that he does not expect her to be submissive. He goes as far as to take her out to pick beans with him. Janie is finally experiencing the give-and-take relationship, similar to the bee and the blossom, that captivated her as a teenager. Tea Cake does not expect or ask for any more than her love and presence. The love that they share seems to draw all of the workers to their porch. Right in their front yard the two stumble upon a hidden culture; one of poverty, pain, and the blues, and also an intensely irresistible happiness.
15:
Chapter 15 is brief, but it summarized a lot about Janie and Tea Cake's relationship. It is obviously about the passion and love the two share for one another. It is again an example of give-and-take, this time coupled with raw emotion. What does everyone else think of Chapter 15's powerful three pages?
After reading this section of the novel it was hard to stop smiling. Hurston honestly communicates the joy that exists between the two individuals, which resulted in a very emotional response in me personally. Janie has found the love that has always eluded her; a love that each of us only dreams of. How did everyone else feel about this section?
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