In the play “Oedipus the King” the city’s people are being tormented by a sphynx that was eating them when they couldn’t answer its riddle. The people, authority figures, and their priest had begun to ignore all other business that needed to be done around the city because of the sphynx. They devoted their time and efforts towards a solution to eliminate the sphynx. They also trusted their king Oedipus to be able to handle the situation and guide them. The behavior of the people in the play reminded me of the behavior of everyone in this country during the pandemic. The entire country was in a health crisis resulting in us relying on the government for a vaccine as well as financial support. The entire country was shut down trying to contain a deadly virus. I witnessed everyone around me wearing masks and wiping down all surfaces trying their best not to catch and spread the virus. Health officials all around the country were devoted to treating infected people in overcrowded hospitals. In many ways, the city and the king in the play reflect on the actions of society and those in power when there is a crisis in actuality.
Powered by:
top
2 thoughts on “Citlali Ramos Discussion 6”
Citlali, thanks for the comments. You made me remember that frenzied cleaning of surfaces. I forgot about that. I had a friend, who made her husband change his clothing at the door before stepping inside the apartment. And yes, the masks were interesting. Do you remember how they become politicized with some people refusing to wear masks or obey mandates and protocols? You also made me remember how at 7:00 p.m. everyone rang bells and clapped for health care professionals. In my neighborhood that always happened just when the church bells were ringing to the tune of “God Bless America.”
Hi Citlali, personally, I had limit ideas of what was going on in America since India was facing its own crises during that time, however the situation of America sounds so similar to what happened in India. People were cautious of their surroundings and afraid to get close to each other in public places.
In reply to Professor’s comment- clapping hands and ringing bells also reminded me of this particular day when the prime minister of India made everyone bang on their dishes on their terrace for ten minutes straight as an appreciation towards hospital workers. I thought that was ridiculous at that time but I was the one banging on the dishes the loudest haha. It was hysterical I wish I could attach a video as a proof;)