In reading, “Oedipus The King,” there are many common themes that resonate both in modern day arenas as well as the time it was written.
First, the people looking to those in power- Oedipus- to cure the existing plight of the plague is certainly familiar when thinking about how our country looked to our government to combat COVID.
In the story, this leads Oedipus to seek out the murderer, never expecting the criminal to ultimately be himself. In his quest, he first becomes paranoid that Creon is maneuvering to unseat him and become king. It is a timeless behavior for those not in power to seek to takeover those in power. “For only with the people at your back or money can the hunt end in the capture of the crown.” This statement by Oedipus also rings true in contemporary society, as the people at your back would represent today’s voters, and money would represent today’s campaign funds, etc.
Be careful what you wish for, is a phrase that also comes to mind when reading this piece, as Oedipus goes to great lengths to discover the truth, even as the people around him try to discourage him from doing so. Not heeding one’s inner circle’s advice is a behavior that can certainly prove to be a detriment, as we see as the story unfolds.
I believe that this is deemed a timeless, classic story because it speaks to the reader’s life no matter the time in history it is read.
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3 thoughts on “Daniel Machover – Discussion 7”
I like you pointing out the significance of power especially when people encounter trouble. Even though we don’t live in an authoritarian society anymore, the contemporary and future society still needs a concentrated power in an organization because we trust it for safety just like the citizens believe Oedipus. You said Oedipus is paranoid which I may understand why he keeps charging Creon for taking his kingship. As the one who has the ultimate power in a country, he has to be very careful in those whom he is suspicious of so that he can continue to keep his throne. This is something I think most of the kings in history worry about most.
Hi Daniel. I agree that there were many different timeless experiences throughout the story of “Oedipus the King”. The paranoia of a person in a position of power, worrying about those closest being potential traitors, is a very common issue we have seen all through recorded history and we still see it today. As for Oedipus not listening to Teiresias and the others when they told him he did not want to know the truth, unfortunately I think it was inevitable that he find out. As the story was written, there was no escaping tragedy because the God essentially commanded that the truth come to light to end the plague.
Hello, .Daniel I agree with you because Oedipus was shock and angry in finding out that he had children with his own mother. Now everyone can relate to the feeling regret over a past act. Odepious can no longer bear to look at his children.