Oedipus Rex Scene IV response
1.) The messenger in scene IV arrives unexpectedly. His role is to bring Oedipus the news that his father, Polybus, has died, and now the people of Corinth want Oedipus to rule over them as king. The messenger is seemingly informal yet polite when he addresses Jocasta. He states in so many words that he has some good news and some bad news. First, he tells her what he seems to think is the “good” news—the people of Corinth want Oedipus as their king. When asked why Polybus is no longer in power, the messenger casually replies, “Death has got him in the tomb.” (Sophocles 1467)
He seems nonchalant and matter-of-fact when revealing that Polybus is dead. His flat affect and calm demeanor are consistent with the tone of the fourth scene in relation to structure of the falling action of the play. He is not outwardly dramatic; he merely states the facts, which come as news not only to both Jocasta and Oedipus but also to the audience as well.
Jocasta, seemingly elated at the news of Polybus’ death, calls for a servant to go tell Oedipus. Oedipus, true to character, is reluctant to believe it. He demands to hear it from the messenger’s lips. The messenger, who himself was slightly off-putting in his informal, unfiltered delivery of the news to Jocasta, does not seem himself to be off-put by Jocasta and Oedipus’ strange reaction and behavior. He merely insinuates he’s confused as to why Oedipus wants to hear the “bad” news first, not the “good” news. The messenger then repeats that Polybus is dead, and he speculates it was due to old age.
There is a marked difference in the way this messenger communicates with the king in comparison to the way others, such as the priest and chorus of people of Thebes, addressed him. While everyone else chose their words carefully around Oedipus, always mindful of the consequences of upsetting the king, this messenger just blurts out the truth. I believe that had the messenger been overly flattering towards Oedipus or regarded him
He seems nonchalant and matter-of-fact when revealing that Polybus is dead. His flat affect and calm demeanor are consistent with the tone of the fourth scene in relation to structure of the falling action of the play. He is not outwardly dramatic; he merely states the facts, which come as news not only to both Jocasta and Oedipus but also to the audience as well.
Jocasta, seemingly elated at the news of Polybus’ death, calls for a servant to go tell Oedipus. Oedipus, true to character, is reluctant to believe it. He demands to hear it from the messenger’s lips. The messenger, who himself was slightly off-putting in his informal, unfiltered delivery of the news to Jocasta, does not seem himself to be off-put by Jocasta and Oedipus’ strange reaction and behavior. He merely insinuates he’s confused as to why Oedipus wants to hear the “bad” news first, not the “good” news. The messenger then repeats that Polybus is dead, and he speculates it was due to old age.
There is a marked difference in the way this messenger communicates with the king in comparison to the way others, such as the priest and chorus of people of Thebes, addressed him. While everyone else chose their words carefully around Oedipus, always mindful of the consequences of upsetting the king, this messenger just blurts out the truth. I believe that had the messenger been overly flattering towards Oedipus or regarded him