Poetry isn’t my greatest talent, but I have a decent understanding of it and can appreciate the nuances in the verses. While I may not possess the skill to write poetry myself, I can engage with the themes and emotions conveyed in the poems I read.
My experience with poetry, particularly with Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess,” enhances my reading of “Oedipus the King” in several ways. Both works explore themes of power, pride, and the consequences of one’s actions, which creates a rich ground for comparison.
In “My Last Duchess,” the Duke’s voice reveals his possessiveness and underlying arrogance, much like Oedipus’s initial confidence in his ability to uncover the truth about his identity. Both characters exhibit a tragic flaw—hubris—that ultimately leads to their downfalls. This parallel allows me to reflect on the nature of authority and the fragility of human pride.
Furthermore, the use of dramatic monologue in Browning’s poem provides insight into character psychology, reminiscent of the intense emotional revelations in Sophocles’s play. Just as the Duke’s speech unveils layers of his character, Oedipus’s dialogue reveals his inner turmoil and gradual realization of his tragic fate.
Analyzing the imagery in “My Last Duchess,” where the Duke’s obsession with control is evident, I can draw connections to the motifs of sight and knowledge in “Oedipus the King.” Both works compel me to consider how the desire for power can blind individuals to the truths about themselves and their actions, enriching my understanding of the tragic elements present in both pieces.
2 thoughts on “Zaria Gordon Discussion#7”
Zaria, we didn’t read “Musee de Beaux Arts” in class. Your post is less a reflection on your development of reading skills but a discussion of themes in the poem and play. That’s not really what is asked for in this week’s post. But as long as you have posted this, I would ask what you mean about indifference. You mention Auden’s emphasis on life going on despite individual tragedies, but is this the case in Oedipus? Isn’t the whole city of Thebes embroiled in Oedipus’ personal tragedy? Who is indifferent?
I apologize for my oversight regarding the portion related to a poem we discussed in class. I have revised my post accordingly.