In the Oedipus the king play irreverence is reflected toward the gods. Many of the characters are indifferent about them and push their prophecies aside. They would try to change their fate but end up suffering and with the prophecy that they dreaded coming true. Many say that the play is a warning about the gods and how we are great, but the gods are greater, but could have Sophocles really been trying to show us his dislike towards the gods? He shows us what the gods are truly like and how they are cruel, by having a story where a great king suffers because of the gods. Is it really Oedipus’ fault for not knowing himself? And when he did finally know himself why did he suffer so greatly?
Many, but especially Jocasta, set the gods aside.
Many, but especially Jocasta, set the gods aside.