Oedipus Rex Report

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- Symbols

a) Laurel/crown: The laurel is a leaved wreath worn by those who are victorious or have acquired status. In the beginning, the subjects wave laurels to Oedipus, who is later seen wearing a laurel, to symbolize their feelings of adornment toward him. Similar to laurels, crowns signify status and power. Although, these symbols are generally seen with a positive and desired attitude, Sophocles ironically uses them to establish the difference between man proclaimed power and divine power. The laurels and crowns symbolize man’s attempt at making themselves more important than the gods and further emphasizes man’s arrogance. In the end, these symbols of power lead Oedipus to his downfall, because he placed himself above the gods.

b) Crossroads: The crossroads where Oedipus unknowingly killed his father, King Laius, is ironically symbolic of Oedipus control, or lack of, over his own life. Crossroads generally symbolize the power of decisions and free will humans have, however, Sophocles uses it to juxtapose this idea with the idea that one’s fate is pre-determined. On the crossroads, Oedipus fulfills the prophecy which leads again to his inevitable downfall. (Emylou Vergel de Dios)

- Style

Throughout the text, Sophocles uses a motif of ambiguity and apprehension. He does this by using scared and uncertain diction, usually found in the Chorus dialogues, who convey a questioning attitude. This is indicated in lines 184-185, when the chorus says, “...but what is your intent? My fearful heart twists on the rack and shakes with fear” (Sophocles 184-185). This woeful tone is used to convey the confusion meant for the audience to feel towards the gods ambiguous plan for humanity. Sophocles also uses blameful diction and a repetitive defensive tone to characterize Oedipus. This is shown as Oedipus speaks to Creon and Tiresias, both of whom display logical personas, which highlights the emotion driven persona of Oedipus himself. Oedipus is further characterized with Sophocles use of arrogant and prideful diction, and thus displays himself as egotistical and self-centered. There is also subtle foreshadowing throughout the text to emphasize the importance of fate and the gods’ predetermination. Sophocles uses the chorus as the medium to relay the foreshadowing as seen in their dialogue, “if a man conducts himself disdainfully in what he says and does,and manifests no fear of righteousness no reverence for the statues of the gods, may miserable fate seize such a man” (Sophocles 1052-1056). Sophocles warning tone conveyed by the chorus emphasizes the idea that in order to understand a situation, one should have an unbiased point of view, which Oedipus clearly lacks. There is use of long syntax when the characters contemplate and reflect on themselves, to show how self-centered man is. However, there is short, fast paced syntax when information is exchanged. Sophocles metaphorically uses lightness, darkness, and “eyes” to convey motif of blindness and the irony of true sight given to those ignorant of their own faults. The use of figurative language emphasizes the obscurity of one’s fate to themselves and the advantage gods have over man. (Emylou Vergel de Dios)

- Theme

Sophocles uses the play Oedipus the King to demonstrate how easily man is corrupted with power and thus how man proclaimed power is neither divine nor righteous. He does this through demonstrating Oedipus excessive hubris and power leading to his downfall. Sophocles uses this story so man can acknowledge their futility compared to the gods ability to bring them suffering. This is seen by the use of irony throughout the play; how the blind prophet, Tiresias, is able to see Oedipus for who he really is while Oedipus is unable to. Another common theme Sophocles insinuates is the danger of pride and arrogance because it hinders one from actually knowing one’s self. This is shown through Oedipus’ tendency to remain ignorant of others opinion, until he figures out his fate by his own means. Sophocles reinstates the idea that man is neither divine, righteous, or independent due to the gods ability to take these virtues away from man. (Emylou Vergel de Dios)

- Structural Level

The structure of the play includes a prologue, 5 episodes, parados, 4 stasimons, and an exodus. The prologue comes before the chorus and serves as the introduction to the play. An episode is a standard scene that includes dialogue. There are 5 in Oedipus The King, which include dialogue between Oedipus and other minor characters, as well as Creon, a major character. The parados was the entry of the chorus after the prologue. A stasimon is the extended song of the chorus after the parados. The function of this is to add a suspenseful and dramatic part to the chorus dialogue. The exodus is the final scene that usually involves coming to a realization, which functions as the epiphany the protagonist goes through. In Oedipus The King, that would be the realization that Oedipus’ own actions brought his downfall.

- Close Reading

Attached (Tyler Ferrari)

- Important Quotes

“It’s all chance, chance rules our lives.” (Sophocles 1069)

The irony behind this quote is based on the light nature in which Jocasta speaks of incest. The juxtaposition between the power of fate and human control over lives is seen in this quote as the clear and evident nature of the situation is completely disregarded. Despite many clear signs that the prophet have accurately foretold their destiny, Jocasta and Oedipus continue to live in denial of their predetermined fate. When Oedipus finally does come to the realization that his actions match those of the prophecy, he gouges out his eyes as a symbolic way of physically blinding himself, similar to how he was metaphorically blind throughout the play. The control that humans desire in their lives is seen through their failure and refusal to accept the power of the gods.

“He solved the famous riddle with his brilliance, he rose to power, a man beyond all power.” (Sophocles 1678)

Irony yet again plays a key role in the life and downfall of Oedipus. His high levels of fame and success led him to have an even more dramatic and tragic ruin. The nature of his downfall was largely due in part to his fatal flaw, too much pride. Despite his character flaw of being too proud, this quote shows how the people respected him for his “brilliance” and “power.” It was his determination and