Tristan Cartmell
Ms Willis
Period 6
16 October 2014
Oedipus Rex Seminars
1.) In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Oedipus is described as a “everyman” figure because through the towns eyes he has done the most difficult thing that any man could ever do and that was defeating the Sphinx. Even though Oedipus is a regular human, the town believes because he defeated the Sphinx that he has the ability to do more than the average human being. “We are not saying, Oedipus that you’re equal to the gods but we have come to you gathered around your altars, because, out of all the men that we know, we think you to be the best in working out the meaning of hardship thrown upon us by life and by the gods” (6). This quote is saying that the town people …show more content…
Also with his “savior,” like behavior he conquered the Sphinx alone, without help. After his endeavor with the Sphinx, Oedipus is now sought out to figure out who murdered king Laius.
“Where then has Laius fallen? Within the palace walls? The fields? Or upon another land?
Where was his murder committed”(8). “Because the land of Laius’ murder could murder me as well and so, by avenging his death, I gain also”(9). In these quotes it explains that Oedipus must now figure out who killed Oedipus and avenge his death. The townspeople believe that he is worthy and capable of resolving it and are putting their trust in him.
3.) The Chorus makes the assumption that gods have all the power in the world and have the ability to do anything while humans down on earth are left needing all the help they can get from the gods. ”The whole nation is suffering from this wound, this plague and we see no way to be rid of it. No crops on the land, no children follow the women’s birth-pains. And our souls, hasten to beat one another, like fast birds, in their race to get, like a wild fire, to Dark
Hades”(10). This quote explains that humans are going to Hades no matter what and that …show more content…
He still had all of the right qualities that describe him. Although his fate was not fit for him, he still went through pain and suffering to hopefully survive his prophecy. “See now your great Oedipus! That famous man who knew the answers of great riddles. That man whose good fortune every man in Thebes envied” (48). This quote explains that the townspeople still respect Oedipus for all the good things he has done for this town and that although he committed crimes he did everything in his will to not. “What you’ve been given so far has been a big enough burden to you” (48). The audience should pity Oedipus because no one should ever have to go through such burdens and that everybody makes mistakes. Oedipus was blind that he was continuing his prophecy by trying to avoid it and running away from it. “Let’s not praise a man for his good Fate unless he has arrived at his final day having escaped bad Fate” (48). I believe that the Chorus’ final announcement can help prove that Oedipus is a tragic hero. It reflects that although he is unfaithful he can still be a good guy. I think that Oedipus deserves respect after all he has
Ms Willis
Period 6
16 October 2014
Oedipus Rex Seminars
1.) In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Oedipus is described as a “everyman” figure because through the towns eyes he has done the most difficult thing that any man could ever do and that was defeating the Sphinx. Even though Oedipus is a regular human, the town believes because he defeated the Sphinx that he has the ability to do more than the average human being. “We are not saying, Oedipus that you’re equal to the gods but we have come to you gathered around your altars, because, out of all the men that we know, we think you to be the best in working out the meaning of hardship thrown upon us by life and by the gods” (6). This quote is saying that the town people …show more content…
Also with his “savior,” like behavior he conquered the Sphinx alone, without help. After his endeavor with the Sphinx, Oedipus is now sought out to figure out who murdered king Laius.
“Where then has Laius fallen? Within the palace walls? The fields? Or upon another land?
Where was his murder committed”(8). “Because the land of Laius’ murder could murder me as well and so, by avenging his death, I gain also”(9). In these quotes it explains that Oedipus must now figure out who killed Oedipus and avenge his death. The townspeople believe that he is worthy and capable of resolving it and are putting their trust in him.
3.) The Chorus makes the assumption that gods have all the power in the world and have the ability to do anything while humans down on earth are left needing all the help they can get from the gods. ”The whole nation is suffering from this wound, this plague and we see no way to be rid of it. No crops on the land, no children follow the women’s birth-pains. And our souls, hasten to beat one another, like fast birds, in their race to get, like a wild fire, to Dark
Hades”(10). This quote explains that humans are going to Hades no matter what and that …show more content…
He still had all of the right qualities that describe him. Although his fate was not fit for him, he still went through pain and suffering to hopefully survive his prophecy. “See now your great Oedipus! That famous man who knew the answers of great riddles. That man whose good fortune every man in Thebes envied” (48). This quote explains that the townspeople still respect Oedipus for all the good things he has done for this town and that although he committed crimes he did everything in his will to not. “What you’ve been given so far has been a big enough burden to you” (48). The audience should pity Oedipus because no one should ever have to go through such burdens and that everybody makes mistakes. Oedipus was blind that he was continuing his prophecy by trying to avoid it and running away from it. “Let’s not praise a man for his good Fate unless he has arrived at his final day having escaped bad Fate” (48). I believe that the Chorus’ final announcement can help prove that Oedipus is a tragic hero. It reflects that although he is unfaithful he can still be a good guy. I think that Oedipus deserves respect after all he has