Through analysis on the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles‚ I found that my understanding was deepened by my knowledge of major themes shown through Sophocles’ use of symbolism‚ paradox‚ and setting. This led to a deeper understanding regarding existentialism and man’s pursuit for knowledge itself. During a discussion on symbolism‚ Oedipus’ fate was linked to a quote by Randy Pausch: “We cannot change the cards we are dealt‚ only how we play the hand.” One of the themes Sophocles makes prevalent throughout
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Creon’s pride blinds him to the truth‚ and the fate that Tiresias was a direct effect of Creon’s actions. Tiresias’ prophecy for Oedipus on the other hand is ignored because of Oedipus’ ignorance to his situation that has already taken place. In Oedipus’ case Tiresias brings him news of prophecies that have already been fulfilled‚ yet for Creon in Antigone his prophecy is in the works. Tiresias plays a key role in the reversal of Oedipus’ fate in Oedipus Rex‚ but his role in Antigone has less of
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In King Oedipus By Sophocles‚ Oedipus is doomed to fail in life from the very beginning. Like all tragic heroes Oedipus is destined to suffer and fall. When Oedipus was a child Oedipus’s parents‚ Laius and Jocasta (the king a Queen of Thebes)‚ got news from an oracle that their son is going to kill his father and marry his mother. Laius and Jocasta try to prevent this from happening by giving their son to one of Laius’s servants and tell him to leave Oedipus on Mount Cithaeron with his feet pinned
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World Literature - Reader Response Log - Oedipus Rex Section|Line(s) |Questions|Reader’s Commentary|| Prologue|1-150|1. Describe the dramatic purpose of the Prologue.|The prologue sets the atmosphere of Oedipus Rex‚ and gets the reader interested.|| |8|2. How does Oedipus characterize himself in line 8?|He sees himself as famous to all men.|| |25-30|3. Describe the conditions in Thebes as depicted by the Priest in lines 25-30.|There is disease infecting the fruit and cattle of their land‚ and
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Tessa Garibaldi November 15‚ 2012 Mr. Stoner English 10 Lit. (H) Oedipus Rex: Analysis of Story and Criticism Throughout the play Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles I‚ readers notice that identification of characters is crucial. In Oedipus Rex‚ Oedipus is the King of Thebes when a plague is brought upon his community. He sends Creon‚ his brother-in-law‚ to identify the origin of the plague. In doing so‚ he discovers that the reason is because a murder has been committed that has befouled the
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The primary characteristic of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is that it is an ironic play. The play’s irony grasps the audience in a profound way because of the awareness that occurs regarding everything that is going on. Even though we‚ as observers‚ are sickened at the tragic life of Oedipus and the other characters‚ we are still able to appreciate the ironical characteristics of the play itself. The irony primarily exists in the context of man being free‚ but at the same time‚ fated. Without doubt‚ this
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they realize their mis-takes or their fate. In the case of Oedipus and Antigone‚ both recognize their tragic destiny and that it is impossible to escape it. Lastly‚ Oedipus and Antigone represent tragic heroes by reach-ing the moment of self-recognition and facing the catastrophe of their actions. For example‚ after the disclosure of Oedipus’ real identity by Shepherd‚ Oedipus falls into despair: “Children‚ the god was Apollo. He brought my sick‚ sick fate upon me.” (Exodos‚ l.117-118) By implementing
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Stand out quotes of Oedipus 1.”She is a woman of pride‚ and ashamed of my low birth” (Sophocles41) This quote is very intriguing. Even after learning that Polybus is not his real father‚ he still doesn’t realize he is the son of his wife‚ he still believes he is of low birth. This line shows how “blind” Oedipus is to the truth‚ so much so that he believes he is of poor birth‚ instead of his true birth into royalty. This line truly captures the meaning or a tragic drama by blatantly showing
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Imagery of Oedipus the King All good works of writing use imagery to give the reader a sense of realness and reality to their stories. Imagery in literature is defined as the formation of mental pictures or images in likeness of things. Oedipus the King uses the imagery of light and darkness throughout the entire play. Generally‚ we perceive light as goodness and truth and darkness and bad and evil. Oedipus the King is a play full of imagery based on light and darkness. When Oedipus dedicates
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In "Oedipus Rex"‚ Sophocles portraits one of the most intriguing and fascinating traits of the human nature: the search for truth regarding who we are and the realization of the paths reserved by our future fate. The play starts with the presentation of the main character: Oedipus‚ the king of Thebes. Sophocles presents Oedipus to the reader as a majestic figure who addresses his attention to the people of Thebes from his palace. The city had been hit by a devastating plague due to Laïos (the
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