Patino 3
Erika Patino
Alicia Pike-Green
AP Literature
7/24/2011
Oedipus Rex: Questions
(1) The oracles had prophesized that Oedipus would kill his father and beget children by his mother. Is Oedipus therefore made to do these things? Is the play premised on the notion that Oedipus is bounded or free-the puppet of fate or the creator of his own fate? Or some of each?
“Because of a prophecy that their new son would kill his father, Laios and Jocasta, King and Queen of Thebes, gave their infant to a shepherd with orders that he be left on a mountainside to die (1217).” Oedipus is made to kill his father and beget children by his mother. It is in his destiny to commit such things. I believe your actions lead to your future; every act whether voluntary or forced; ignorant or attentive is accumulated to your well-being or destruction; yet some things are inevitable. The play is premised on the notion that Oedipus is indeed the puppet of fate. When Teiresias is questioned she states, “I say that you are the murder whom you seek (1229).” Although, he seems to have been able to avoid his destiny, the play is premised that since it is his destiny it will happen. Oedipus unknowingly had already murdered his father. Although, it wasn’t his intention he had already began to fulfill the prophecy. Oedipus was bounded to such a fate in the play because everything pushed him to his undoing.
(4) Is any common pattern of behavior exhibited in Oedipus’s encounters with Laios, with Teiresias, and with Kreon? Is there any justification for his anger with Teiresias? For his suspicion of Kreon? Why?
There is a common pattern of behavior exhibited in Oedipus in his encounters with Laios, Teiresias and Kreon. Oedipus seems to be angry at all these three characters for no apparent reason. There is no justification for his anger with any of them. Oedipus didn’t know who Laios was when he murdered him, so he had no real reason to murder him. Oedipus continues to be angry when he is not told the truth but in reality he is mad because he is not told what he wants to hear. For example, Teiresias tells Oedipus, “I say that you are the murder whom you seek (1228).” There is no justification at his anger towards Teiresias because he tells him the truth and Oedipus doesn’t want to accept the truth. Oedipus‘s anger towards Kreon is not justified because he has no prove to accuse him of betrayal and sabotage. Oedipus states, “no not excile. It is your death I want, so that all the world may see what treason means (1234).” Kreon was innocent and Oedipus wouldn’t listen to logic because he was to concern with his dignity. It was as if Oedipus wanted to kill Kreon just to prove he was a strong king, This indeed may demonstrate a weakness within Oedipus’s character.
(7) Why does Oedipus blind himself? Is this an act weakness or of strength? Why does he ask Kreon to drive him from Thebes? Does he feel that his fate has been just or unjust? Is his suffering, in fact, deserved? Partially deserved? Undeserved?
Oedipus blinds himself after finding his Queen Jocasta(mother/wife) hanged. Oedipus blinds himself because he believes he has seen to many horrifying scenes to want to keep his sight. Oedipus states, “no more, no more shall you look on the misery about me, the horrors of my own doing (1253)!” I believe Oedipus blinded himself to avoid being able to look at himself or those who he had caused misery upon. This act was a sign of strength because Oedipus had the courage to punish himself for his actions. I believe Oedipus requests Kreon to drive him from Thebes because he is ashamed and feels he is a parasite who deserves to be exiled from all society. Oedipus feels his punishment is just because he states, “do not counsel me any more. This punishment that I have laid upon myself is just (1256).” I believe Oedipus’s suffering was undeserved because he was destined to misery from his birth. He was sentenced to live in misery since his very existence. He had no chance of avoiding the prophecy.
(9) In what sense may Oedipus be regarded as a better man, though a less fortunate one, at the end of the play than at the beginning? What has he gained from his experience?
Oedipus can be regarded as a better man, though a less fortunate one. He was willing to accept a destiny which he did not deserve. He was punished cruelly for the only reason of existing. Oedipus has gained a life lesson that life is not fair and one does not get to choose their destiny. He was destined to misery and therefore, was punished with misery. Whether it was his doing or not he is a better person for accepting what life brought upon him. At the end of the play we witness how Oedipus was truly a strong man worthy of dignity. He learned to be contempt with his life and misfortune. Oedipus states, “No. For the love of God, conceal me somewhere far from Thebes; or kill me; or hurl me into the sea, away from men’s eyes for ever (1257).” I think it takes real courage to wish such a punishment upon yourself when you don’t deserve it.