Literature is the story of what is universal in the human experience. Reading Oedipus the King I could identify several timeless human behaviors. Human beings are emotional creators; it is clear to see that in this story since it is very dramatic. The characters in this story are very impulsive, and moved by passion. The most outstanding behaviors are Oedipus’s and Jocasta’s when the truth comes to light. Jocasta hanged herself and put an end to her life while Oedipus blinded himself claiming that there is nothing for him to see. They both were frightened by the terrible discovery and that lead them to their deeds. I find these behaviors as timeless human behaviors because at the end of the day they are both human beings who reacted by their emotions. I feel like this type of story comes as a mirror for human behavior in an exaggerated way in order to make us wonder about how our mind works. How will people act when they’re suffering, where is the limit?
Daily Archives: October 4, 2022
Alex Barrios Professor Conway ENG 201 Sec. 0517 October 3, 2022 “I say with those you love best you live in foulest shame unconsciously and do not see where you are n calamity.” – Line 416 TEIRESIAS conversing with OEDIPUS. This line catches my attention the most because for Teiresias she warned Oedipus that the knowledge she had on her king about what he had done would stir his anger to which she confirmed. The line flows very beautifully and there’s a particular contrast between love and shame along with a bit of irony as she mentions that he “does not see where he is the calamity.” while she herself is blind because she has no eyes. It’s a good example of people who ask for truth often aren’t really prepared to accept it-let alone hear it. So, Oedipus responds by almost in a threatening tone in Line 426, “Do you imagine you can always talk like this and live to laugh at it hereafter”. The two lines for encapsulates the idea that a man can ask and seek guidance and yet choose to remain closed-minded.
While reading the second half of the assignment, my view of Oedipus shifted. The timeless human behavior/experience that stood out for me was his curiosity in seeking the truth.. Especially the truth that tells where we comes from, our lineage, our family history. His wife had begged him multiple times not to follow through in his search. Ignorance is bliss but, it seemed that as a king, he needed to know the truth not only for himself but to be worthy of his position and the admiration and love of his people. I gathered that point of view towards the end of the play based off his extreme expression of disappointment and the actions he took out of the shame he felt. Knowing the truth creates an irresistible urge to do so no matter the costs. Scientists trying to make new discoveries, detectives solving a murder, etc. In Oedipus’ case, he knew the possibility of the rumors being true would lead to his possible downfall, yet he could not stop until he knew for sure. He left his home out of fear that the prophecy would come to pass, he took actions to avoid what he feared the most. He could have easily stopped the search and continued to rule Thebes. However knowing the truth was stronger than his desire to keep his title.
