The pandemic started at the end of 2019 while I was still in Nepal. People’s behavior varied widely depending on factors such as location, government guidelines, and individual beliefs. Many people in Nepal initially underestimated the severity of the virus, comparing it to the flu, but as the situation worsened and more information became available, they began to take it more seriously. Everyone was anxious and worried about the plague but could do nothing but wait patiently and follow follow public health guidelines such as wearing masks, social distancing, and getting vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus. People looked to their government and healthcare authorities for guidance and support, similar to how the people of Thebes turned to Oedipus for help.
Daily Archives: October 7, 2023
COVID-19, like the plague in “Oedipus the King,” made people act in various ways in the United States. At first, Americans, like Thebes citizens praying to their king, relied on the government and doctors for help. But as the pandemic continued, things changed. Just as Thebes citizens went from being desperate to unsure, some Americans became skeptical too. The key difference was unity: Thebes people stuck together because they were loyal to their king, while Americans had diverse opinions due to their different cultures and politics. Some followed safety rules, while others wanted personal freedom. Still, both stories show how people kept searching for answers, like Oedipus discovering his past and scientists working hard to find a cure to COVID-19.
Many people faced the worst catastrophe during COVID-19, forcing a large number of people in our country to act out in a variety of ways. People worried and stored up on as much as they could; most stayed indoors; many babies were delivered inside and are now known as “covid – 19 babies.” This pandemic also had an impact on people’s emotional and physical health; individuals became fearful of contracting the virus next. Oedipus behavior examines daily activities of citizens, focusing on their desire to be recognized as heroes and problem solvers. However, he couldn’t help those who harmed them, a sentiment similar to how we all sought assistance during the pandemic but couldn’t, requiring self-help and growth.
During COVID-19 many people suffered through lot and went through the worst tragedy which caused many citizens in our country to act in many different ways of behaviors. Which impacted many of us around with the fellow actions being done. The pandemic has affected the public’s mental health and well-being including through isolation and loneliness, job loss and financial instability, and illness and grief. In the play, Oedipus displays many types of behavior, but the behavior that he demonstrates during key points in the drama presents the type of person he is. He puts on display acts of stress, arrogance, and confidence, Oedipus behavior analyzes each action every citizen demonstrates each day. He wanted to be seen as a hero and solver through everyone’s problems but wasn’t able to when it came to an action that affected the people. This connects to when we all wanted to help each other during the pandemic but couldn’t instead had to help ourselves through the problem and thrive through it.
The modern world suffered from the COVID pandemic. I was in the United States at the time that COVID occurred. During the play “Oedipus the King”, when Oedipus first arrived at Thebes, he saw the city to be in terrible suffering. The people were being tormented by the Sphynx, who would tell a riddle and murder everyone who didn’t know the answer. By solving the riddle, Oedipus overcame the Sphynx, which then self- isolated in anger. The king and hero of the city was Oedipus. Our government in the United States is comparable to Oedipus ruling the city because they gave us vaccinations to keep the majority of us from getting sick. The next best thing you can do to prevent infections is to wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and disinfect your home and the items you use on a daily basis. Oedipus, also known as the King, is honored for his strength and bravery when he overcame a monster-like antagonist. Unfortunately, the majority of people, particularly the elderly, lack healthy immune systems and were at risk of infection.
