Several timeless experiences and behavior displayed in the play are relevant in society today. We tend to live off our fate and free will, which is essential to us. But, when we think about it, someone always influences our life daily. As the play showed how King Oedipus wanted to find closure to know the truth about the killing of Laius, little did he know that he was about to get shocked in his life to know that Laius was his father and his wife Jocasta was his mother. As a human, and I’m a victim of this, I must say that we always dig deep when we want to find things out and sometimes don’t agree with the outcome, which could cause pain and sorrow. That’s what the saying said, “what you don’t know won’t kill you. “Finding out how you were bought into society the way King Oedipus did would have drawn an everlasting burden, causing depression, questioning oneself, there are thoughts of suicide, just to be shamed and having that guilt will just want not to be a part of society. King Oedipus begged that he be hidden outside the country, killed, or thrown into the sea, just to be out of the sight of others. Could we imagine all the vulnerable young adults in our society that experience these traumas and don’t have the support or the correct tools for assistance? The shame and emotional reck just scared me for my life. Oedipus tried his best to be strong, but he had no control over what happened to him.
Powered by:
top
One thought on “Ann-Marie Higgins Discussion 7”
Ann-Marie, I’m particularly struck by your reference to the phrase “What you don’t know won’t kill you.” It really does seem true that people sometimes insist on digging into a situation when they really want to change an undesirable outcome as if they will ultimately find a truth that appeals to them. And yes, this play, with its emotional wreckage, can scare you for your life. That is what catharsis means. Readers feel terror and pity for Oedipus, as well as for themselves.