The story Oedipus the King is truly interesting. It was clear that Oedipus didn’t realize how his treachery put his own town into shambles. Creon knew Oedipus character and used his weakness against him with Teiresias pretty much exposing him. I feel like this left Oedipus confused because, how can they know such a secret? Creon had a motive to blackmail him and it it is working, because the anger Oedipus is displaying is not good to show from a King. The saddest part of what was read so far is how the town is suffering because of his actions (the secret). The Chorus from lines 185-210 explains how much they are suffering. They are begging for answers from God to understand why they are going through such demise. In line 195 it is stated that “there are no growing children in this famous land; there are no women bearing the pangs of childbirth”. Line 205 also elaborates more on what is happening on the land, and the people are calling out for deliverance.
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8 thoughts on “Lynette Spears Discussion 6”
Lynette, yes the depiction of the suffering of the people is expressed in very dramatic and poetic terms. I wish you had included just a bit more of the exact quote though the part you chose is very expressive. Thank you for giving the lines so that others can review the quote if desired.
Hey Lynette! I agree, There did seem to be an agenda against Oedipus but, one thing that couldn’t be ignored is the plague or curse. Apollo, through Creon revealed the death of king laius as the cause of the misfortunes on the city of Thebes. I hope I understood the story correctly, that golden age language had me for a bit of a loop. It feels as though the shame of his actions and the shame that drove his mother to her death/suicide was almost the key to the city’s redemption. I also agree that Oedipus does not display qualities of a good king. Initially, his speech towards the priest who was representing the people of Thebes, seemed apathetic. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Lynette,
I agree that the saddest part is that the town is suffering, and that’s why feel like they were begging him to do something because they didn’t want to suffer anymore.
Creon: 595 “citizens i have come because i heard deadly word spread about me, that the king accuse me”. Creon was angry that this accusations was made about him, of course he denies wanting to kill king Oedipus and made it clear he doesn’t want to be the king. he thinks being a king was to much responsibility.
Hi Lynette, it’s very true what you wrote about Oedipus’s anger and how it’s not good behavior shown by a king. In the middle of the conversation between Oedipus and Teiresias, the chorus told them that they should not talk with such anger. “We look at this man’s words and yours, my king, and we find both have spoken them in anger. We need no angry words but only thought how we may best hit the God’s meaning for us” (Line 471). It is clearly hard for Oedipus to hear this accusation while it comes from Teirasias who they all trust what he sees. Also, he feels like Teirasais and his wife’s brother Creaon are both together against him, and that Creon is trying to take his place as a king.
Hi Lynette! I do too agree with your take on this part of the greek tragedy. From what I’ve interpreted Oedipus made an impression that he as a king was kind of lost. And the part where he looses his temper and gives in to anger also confirms that. The passage where the chorus describes the town and it’s sad condition is very expressive and makes it clear that the king has to step it up and be decisive.
Good Evening Lynette! I enjoyed reading your discussion post! When I wrote my discussion post I also questioned why Oedipus was treated that way by Teiresias. I find it interesting that you said how he felt confused. I wondered what was the real reason behind that. I think that they were envious, and or jealous of what Oedipus had. They wanted to be loved by the people like how he was. I felt that he wanted to make Oedipus weak and look bad in front of the people so he can take his power.
Hi Lynette, I agree that this Greek mythology story was very interested. Oedipus trying to run from his own faith and ending up going through with his faith. He didn’t realize this huge secret would ruin him. Oedipus wanted answers, he went to the shepherd to get his answers only for what he was running from be brought back to him. Jocasta, his wife, realized that she was his mother and killed herself and he gouges his eyes out leaving Thebes.