As I look back on those days when COVID-19 engulfed the modern world, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the memories of being confined to the four walls of my room. The pandemic was nothing short of a plague, and it had a profound impact on our lives, one that would resonate through generations to come.
Being stuck at home 24/7 was an experience like no other. The initial novelty of remote work and virtual meetings quickly wore off, leaving me feeling trapped within the confines of my room. Boredom became my constant companion, to the point where I would find myself spending hours in the shower, attempting to wash away the monotony. I resorted to working out, writing, and drawing, desperately trying to fill the void left by the absence of social interactions and outdoor activities. And, like so many others, I found solace in the digital realm, spending endless hours online to distract myself from the harsh realities outside.
Reflecting on those trying times, I’m reminded of the stark contrast between the behaviors of the American population during the pandemic and the people of Thebes as seen in “Oedipus the King.” In the play, Thebes is struck by a plague, much like our modern-day pandemic. The people of Thebes, however, turn to their king, Oedipus, for guidance and salvation. Oedipus embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind the plague, even though it ultimately reveals his own tragic fate.
The American populace’s response to our pandemic, in contrast, was characterized by individualism and a lack of unifying leadership. Instead of seeking advice from a single person, we frequently saw fragmented strategies and contradictory data. Similar to the conflict between Oedipus’ resolve to learn the truth and the resistance he encountered, there was a general fight to balance individual liberties with public health initiatives.
While “Oedipus the King” serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring truth and the inevitable consequences of our actions, our modern pandemic experience highlights the complexities of navigating a global crisis in a highly interconnected world. We lacked a singular, all-knowing figure like Oedipus, and instead, we relied on a patchwork of solutions, with varying degrees of success.
In the end, the pandemic left an indelible mark on our lives, and its impact will be felt for generations. We may not have had an Oedipus to save us, but we found strength in our collective resilience and the determination to overcome the challenges that COVID-19 brought upon us. The four walls of my room may have confined me physically, but they couldn’t contain the human spirit’s ability to adapt, endure, and ultimately, find hope amid adversity.
One thought on “Melissa Cruz week 3”
Exactly, we adjusted and learned how to live with our unfortunate circumstances. Oedipus and Jocasta, although being warned, managed to still do exactly what they feared most. Instead of working through it they both decided to react in the worst way possible. Oedipus could have asked for help from the neighboring Empires and ran away like he did once before. He could have acted like it never happened, which is something we can not do because COVID still is affecting millions of people today.