I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology, but not so much a fan of reading plays – not even Shakespeare. I always found it difficult to understand or follow what was going on. However, reading this piece, although I had to “get in a zone” when I began reading, had what we are speaking on…beautiful language.
Lines 545 – 552 read:
the doer of deeds that none dare name?
Now is the time for him to run
with a stronger foot
than Pegasus
for the child of Zeus leaps in arms upon him
with fire and the lightning bolt,
and terribly close on his heels
are the Fates that never miss.
These lines speak to a wrong that was committed before Oedipus’ reign. A wrong so vile, no one speaks of the name or names of the offender. The Chorus painted the image that now is the time for the wrong-doer to make haste because his consequences are catching up to him fast; but what good would that do? The Fates, or the Daughters of Death, never miss, so metaphorically, the offender would need to be swifter than Pegasus to outrun his fate, his consequences, This passage, albeit short, was filled with a visual of raw emotions and a simple but clear message. I saw this as saying you can’t outrun the past, or even saying whatever is done in the dark, will come to the light.
The first line – “the doer of deeds that no one dare name”, spoke to the fear that is only cast amongst men, but by line 551, “and terribly close on his heels are the Fates that never miss”. it spoke to the power of the gods and consequences. The depth within those six lines captured my attention.
3 thoughts on “Tracey Mainer – Discussion 6”
Tracey, I’m so glad to hear that you were able to enter a “zone” while reading the play. Once in your zone, you were able to experience the beautiful language. You’ve chosen a very powerful passage. I’m sure you didn’t realize it, but another student discussed this passage earlier. It is such a terrifying description of what awaits the doer of evil deeds, who think they might escape justice.
Hi Professor Conway,
I did not realize another student wrote about the same passage, I did try my best to avoid this, lol.
I am looking forward to reading the remainder of the play, it was so many things I pulled from that passage, I got excited!
🙂
Hi Tracey,
Your comprehensive examination of the passage from Oedipus the King you chose reveals a clear understanding of the point the Chorus is trying to make. You do a good job of explaining the passage’s significance and how it pertains to the play’s overarching themes, such as fate’s inevitability and the results of deeds. You rightly characterize the metaphorical language used to suggest that the wrongdoer would eventually pay for their crimes, as well as the potent imagery utilized to suggest fate and the certainty of repercussions.