Oedipus Rex

Good to see you guys again!


Read pgs. 1375-1404 of Oedipus Rex.


Post an entry on your blog about tonight's reading. Address the ways in
which this text compares to other texts we've read and the degree to which
hamartia, catharsis, and pathos have been elements in the play so far.


If everybody blogs, there will be NO reading quiz.


Brandon - Send me the link to your blog BEFORE class.


This text compares to other texts we've read in that the main character(s) all seem to have a tragic flaw; a seemingly harmless "little" flaw that ultimately leads the character to their utter demise. Raskolnikov? His pride, pomposity, whatever. The man? His optimism, whatever. Suttree? His need to find meaning in his existence, whatever. Yet this one characteristic is what ultimately drives their whole being and decide for them. It seems that in almost every character they seem to think they transcend others and then become condescending individuals filled with arrogance.  


Oedipus' hamartia is his his hubris. This is obvious when we confronts Tiresias about the truth only to be declined because Tiresias believes that the truth will only pain. After all, igorance is bliss, right? Well, ignorance is no excuse in the eyes of the law. We can see why Oedipus wants to know the truth, but we also see the dramatic irony that he himself that he's searching for. Which also brings to mind that he is searching for himself - his true identity, which in this case, comes at a great cost. Initially, it is his pride that figuratively blinds him from the objective truth and accusing Tiresias and Creon of treason. Speaking of Creon, that whole plight plays well for his hand because though he initially showed indications of no interest in power, he almost accepts the position with no doubt following Oedipus' downfall. In Antigone, he becomes just like Oedipus in that he succumbs to his power. It almost seems that Creon did commit treason probably flawlessly but became a victim of destiny itself. It was as if he thought he could play the Gods in their own game. 


Oedipus' catharsis occurs when he meets the two Shepherds, more specifically, when he meets the latter Shepherd, who he learns the truth from and has a revelation: that he killed his father and married his mother. I suppose the true catharsis occurs when he gouges his eyes after witnessing the suicide of his wife/mother where he literally loses his sight yet figuratively gains a new ability: insight. Just like Tiresias. In the end, he ascends into a higher form of being, in a sense. He doesn't even occupy himself with the pain associated with the gouging of the eyes. 


In terms of pathos, I suppose we can give Oedipus pity for the initial portrayal of his character: a true leader. He genuinely cared for his people unlike most of the senators today and especially most of the republican presidential candidates. C'mon, we all new Bachmann wasn't going to win anyway. She and Perry have been transformed into internet memes. Afterwards, however, Oedipus loses our sympathies when he commits accusations of treason against Tiresias. All in all, I think drama is just what it is: drama. A common problem blown up out of proportion due to some flaw. Besides, if there were no drama; it wouldn't be all that exciting, right? There are some people who would love to witness a fight in school due to the drama associated with it yet they don't want to participate in it albeit they criticize drama.  So hypocritical, but aren't we all? We're human. 


"It is well, when judging a friend, to remember that he is judging you with the same godlike and superior impartiality."