Oedipus the King is a story about a Greek king who ends up killing his father and marrying his mother, even though he does everything he can to avoid doing that very thing. Even though it is set in Ancient Greece, there are timeless human experiences that people from today still can relate to. For instance, Oedipus ignores everything that points him to the truth about his life. He is so blinded to it. People around him are telling him things he doesn’t want to hear, so he simply doesn’t listen and remains ignorant. This is something that people can relate to. People constantly try to deny things that might be true because accepting the truth is too hard for them. Another relatable moment in the play is the fear that the chorus experiences. They represent the average citizen who has to live in the city but doesn’t have any real control over what is going on. They can only watch and hear about what is happening. People, especially recently, can relate to this. With scary events going on around the world, and with politicians not seeming to do a lot to change it, I know that people feel like the only thing they can do is sit and watch.
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4 thoughts on “Eoin Riley-Duffy, Discussion 7”
I agree! I think there are many real-world instances that are shown in “Oedipus the King”. The chorus helps almost narrate the thoughts the audience is having in real-time. Just like you said, there’s nothing they can do but watch because they don’t have any power. Oedipus is in this position because he wanted to keep power and a good reputation, ignoring the fate that was told to him. I think politics is a good example of that helpless feeling.
Hi Eoin,
I definitely agree when you said “Oedipus ignores everything that points him to the truth about his life. He is so blinded to it. People around him are telling him things he doesn’t want to hear, so he simply doesn’t listen and remains ignorant.” I see this all the time with people even I have experienced this. sometimes people just have to learn and feel the consequences. We can definitely relate the chorus experience to this day, with everything goin on in the world right now with the politicians having say in everything now all we can do is watch there’s not much that we can do.
Hi Eoin!
Your viewpoint on the this tragedy resonated with me. I especially I like your opening sentence and the way you phrased your thought : that the king did everything to run away/avoid that very thing he was terrified of the most. That also got me thinking that it’s an easier way out of a problem, it takes an effort and courage to go against something that you fear the most and find a way to resolve a problem rather than run from it.
I agree with what you stated. Most of us are powerless to what is happening around the world and that we can only sit and watch as things happen. I usually keep up with current events but sometimes it feels like it’s too much to handle and I stop for a few days and just focus on things that bring me joy so that I feel like I am whole again. I never thought of relating Oedipus the King this way and it was somewhat eye opening.