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.
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Good job sis,
ReplyDeleteI think you have some really good thoughts I this, I can't decide whether agree with your portrayal of Oedipus as a great ruler or other people's depiction as an attention-hogger selfish king. Your points on the drama of the play are good too.
Maudelette,
ReplyDeleteI think your points are really interesting. I know exactly what you mean about liking Oedipus, and it is funny that as a reader I still found myself drawn to him despite the horrible "sins" he had commit.
Muy excellente
Maudie,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of focusing on the aspect of human emotion. I agree that in order for a play to be influential and prominent for so long, one of its core themes has to be something that applies to several future generations, and I think you did a good job of detailing such a central theme. Good job!
Moodles,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the heart of the tragic story is in the complexity of Oedipus's character. Like you, I had trouble distinguishing which element of his convoluted character controlled his actions, which as you pointed out, makes this play timeless. I loved your point about the range of human emotions, which too may be why this play appeals to so many.
Maude,
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job dissecting Oedipus' complex character and your opinions on him are very similar to mine. I liked you lines about both sympathizing with Oedipus and still feeling torn about his character at the conclusion of the play. In this blog, you summed up one of the aspects of Oedipus Rex that makes it such a timeless tragedy with such a universal message.
Good Job!
Spenser
Maude-
ReplyDeleteGreat job on showing the "full spectrum of human emotions" dealt with in the story of Oedipus. I agree when you talk about the likability of Oedipus as a reason why this play becomes so emotional, seeing as the man's completely clueless and really doesn't see what's coming for him. It was an interesting point when seeing the contrasts between the Oedipus from the beginning of the story versus at the end. Overall, nice job!
After reading so many essays condemning Oedipus and the many nuances in Oedipus Rex, it is refreshing to see that at least one person can look past her prejudices and see Oedipus as a potentially tragic hero. Where many called him arrogant and leave it at that, you thoughtfully analyze those traits of Oedipus that the audience can be empathetic towards. Succinctly: Thank you for thinking.
ReplyDeleteMaooode,
ReplyDeleteYou strike up a good point when you say the play gains dramatic tension because the audience realizes "who Oedipus really is before he does." The pain the audience feels for Oedipus makes them empathize with him. I enjoy your idea that one cannot help but feel a twang of sadness for the unfortunate series of events that befalls a well-intentioned man like Oedipus.
Don't mean to be a debbie downer.... but you have a lot of grammatical errors. You're smarter/better than that.