Over the past two weeks, I’ve noticed an improvement in my ability to read and interpret poetry. Although poetry still poses challenges, I’ve found that taking time to reflect helps me uncover deeper meanings. This skill is particularly useful when reading plays like Oedipus the King, as both poetry and drama often communicate through hidden messages that require thoughtful analysis. One poem we’ve studied, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, parallels the themes found in Oedipus the King. In Frost’s poem, the speaker pauses in the quiet beauty of the woods but ultimately acknowledges he has responsibilities that compel him onward. Similarly, Oedipus is on a relentless journey, driven forward despite his desire to pause or escape. Both Frost’s speaker and Oedipus grapple with the tension between personal desires and obligations, illustrating how fate and duty profoundly influence human lives.
Oedipus the King is Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” In Frost’s poem, the narrator feels drawn to the peaceful solitude of the dark woods yet ultimately decides to continue onward. This parallels Oedipus’ journey, as he too encounters the temptation of staying in ignorance remaining metaphorically in the dark—but instead pushes forward to uncover the painful truth of his past, despite knowing it may destroy him.
One thought on “Luis Ramirez Discussion 7”
Luis, the question is really about the language. How does reading poetry prepare one for the reading of Oedipus? I’m not asking about themes but about the experience of reading poetic language. I’m afraid I don’t see the connection between “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” and Oedipus. Where do you see Oedipus pausing and desiring to escape his responsibilities? Maybe you could explain a little further? Also, please follow the directions for submission. When students submit incorrectly, my directions get bumped from first place, and I have to go in and edit the student’s submission data.