I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece – it did change my view [somewhat] on the reading of plays. In reading Oedipus the King, I found so many experiences or behaviors that are universally relatable, not just within an isolated time period. To start, deception and shame is prevalent throughout the reading. The cause of the Oedipus’ fate was shame and deceit, with his ending being the same – shame caused by deceit. Another experience and behavior observed is acting out of fear. The last experience and behavior I would like to touch on is desperation in hope to figure out the “unknown”.
Oedipus’ true parents, Jocasta and Laius, out of fear gave their child away to be killed from a prophesy. Fear of this child being prophesied as the cause of their demise, they gave him away to be killed, without second thought of consequences. In time, as it is apparent to Jocasta who Oedipus really is (which by the way, I feel she may have known the whole time who he really was), instead of being truthful, the hole was dug deeper and deeper with deceit. Shame and maybe even pride, caused her to hang herself instead of facing the consequences full on of her actions.
Unfortunately, these behaviors are still very much a part of today’s society, this is not an isolated event during the times of Greek mythology. I mean – there wouldn’t be so many talk shows if this was not something that was all so common.
Oedipus – in his shame of his actions, gouged his own eyes out, and stated if there was a way he could deafen himself too, he would’ve. I think perhaps there was both shame in his actions as well as disgust, but shame all the more. I also think he may have been prideful; after being Oedipus, the great King he was, to be revealed as the “vile offender” that no one spoke of. After all of his “fame” of being the savior, his legacy will be more infamous than the latter.
A “controversial” topic, but this scenario, although it is not often seen where a son is married to and reproducing with his mother unknowingly, the overall issue is very common. So often there are children born, with parents not knowing, lies buried by more lies and turmoil caused by pride instead of being squelched with humility and truth (insert Maury and paternity shows that have been receiving the highest ratings for 15+ years until his retirement). People act out of emotions more often than not, which causes a snowball effect that becomes too big to ignore.
I truly felt sorry for Oedipus, a victim despite his actions, and sadly, with all the efforts made, he still could not outrun fate.
7 thoughts on “Tracey Mainer – Discussion 7”
I agree with you that the world is filled with a lot of fear, and shame. For example, Oedipus’s real parents give away their children. Oedipus ended up shamefully gouging out his own eyes. I also agree with your last sentence that despite all his efforts, he could not escape his fate. Oedipus was superbly wise, loved his state, and was unselfish. Instead of bowing to fate or begging, he fights and manages to escape the “divine” prophecy.
Tracey, I love the fact that reading Oedipus the King changed your view (even “somewhat”) of reading plays. Your comments show so well the timelessness of this drama, and I like how you point to the controversial talk shows that are full of similarly scandalous events from modern-day life. Even more interesting to me, however, are your observations about the effect of fear on human behavior, the debilitating influence of shame, and the way emotions can run completely amok when unchecked. I share your sympathy for Oedipus. He is proud, but he is a king! Would people respect a king who wasn’t proud? Beyond that, he is compassionate, proactive, and strong. He tries to do his best, but he is doomed. I know that many scholars see his pride as a fatal flaw, but for me this play is more about the human condition and the inability to control everything in life.
Professor, thank you. I believe people always act on emotion opposed to thought, but fear and pride are the driving forces behind a lot of the emotion-filled decisions that are made. Fear of not being enough, so we try to overcompensate. Pride for the same reasons….
I think, if Oedipus had a fatal flaw, perhaps it would be his seeking of truth. Sometimes, maybe things SHOULD be left in the dark…..I mean, there’s a saying it will come to light anyway, so why dig for it? Oedipus was proud in a way he SHOULD be, not proud in a way that was a flaw.
Whew, beautiful response. First, may I say as someone who has watched Maury (with my mother,) the instances of a child being born and caught in a whirl of lies and drama is ENTIRELY too common.
I do agree that Jocasta knowing the entire time who Oedipus was, is what led to her hanging herself instead of dealing with the guilt. It’s really sad that he is remembered as the “vile offender” rather than the savior everyone knew him to be.
(**This piece also changed my view on reading plays.)
Yes Sophia, I thought the same. He did so much and for reasons that really weren’t his fault, that could’ve been avoided if the truth and shame were dealt with from the origin, he was now labeled eternally as the vile offender.
Tracey, thank you for the valuable comment. I’ve really liked how you transferred the Greek myth to a modern twist, to show many in common between them. After reading articles and the “Oedipus the King” I thought that there are too many things are in common in literature and in real life. And being the author of something the idea, that “everything has been already written by a Greek writer, and you can only change the setting” can come to your mind.
Great response. I agree that because of the shame, Oedipus gouges his eyes and asks to be killed. It’s hard to live a life of lies and expect things to be okay, but all eyes and talks will be on you for the rest of your life. Feeling the betrayals of your better half, then having no closure because she killed herself, makes the situation more devastating. Oedipus is a strong man and very compassionate.