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Oedipus Essay - Moesha Edit
Oedipus Essay - Moesha Edit
Riley Mosby
Dr. Atkins
ENGW 105 18
12 January 2017
Oedipus Essay
One of the most pondered questions throughout history has been "what drives humanity?". This
topic is discussed in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. This play tells the story of a man who tries to escape a
prophecy which states that he would come to murder his father, the king, and have incestuous relations
with his mother, the queen, but in doing so he ensures that the prophecy is fulfilled. Like many other
Greek tragedies, Oedipus Rex makes many assertions about humanity. Oedipus Rex reveals that man has
an innate sense of self-preservation, as seen through the words and actions of Jocasta and Laius, Tiresias
Jocasta and Laius are the parents of the titular character, Oedipus. Though this fact is unnot
known to the characters, it is apparent to the readers in a case of dramatic irony. In their youth, Jocasta
and Laius wereare warned that their son would grow up to murder his father. In an effort to subvert this
prophecy, they send their son away, to be abandoned him in the wilderness, and left him for dead. This
was an act of self-preservation. This instinct to live was so great that it overcame any maternal or paternal
instinct to save their son. The abandonment of Oedipus as a child shows that the preservation of self is
more important that the preservation of Laius bloodline. Even Oedipus incredulously asks, Her own
child,/ how could she? (231). Jocasta demonstrates that she cares chiefly of herself when she urges
Oedipus not to investigate his origins. Jocasta realizes who she married when the messenger reveals who
he received the baby from saying, He called himself a servant of/ if I remember rightlyLaius.
(Jocasta turns sharply) (221). Oedipus assumes that she does not want to be demeaned with the
knowledge that she married a commoner, but in reality, Jocasta is ashamed of her incestuous relations
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with her son. As a result of this shame, Jocasta knows that she will be ostracized by society and as a result
Oedipus parents feel a greater need to protect their own self-interests over anyone elses, including their
childs interests.
Before the conflict of Oedipus true identity arises, there is the conflict of the punishment of an
unsolved murder. King Laius was supposedly murdered by a band of highwaymen, and until the
murderers are brought to justice, the city of Thebes will suffer. To get aid and guidance in solving Laius
murder, it is suggested that Oedipus talk with Tiresias, a blind prophet. As a prophet, Tiresias knows that
it was Oedipus who killed Laius, thus fulfilling the first part of his prophecy. Rather than incur Oedipus
wrath and face banishment, Tiresias tries to hide the truth from Oedipus. This shows Tiresias self-
In a similar way, the shepherd also tries to shield the truth about Oedipus origins from him in an act of
self-preservation. When interrogated he says, No/ gods sake, master, no more question! in a futile
attempt to avoid Oedipus anger (230). Tiresias and the shepherd both try to circumvent the truth to
Creon is Jocastas sister, which means that he is both Oedipus uncle and brother-in-law. As
brother to the queen, Creon holds a great deal of political power. In a fit of paranoia, Oedipus convinces
himself that Creon is conspiring with Tiresias to overthrow him. Rather than acquiesce and submit
himself to Oedipus judgment, Creon heatedly defends himself. Of the accusation, Creon says
tear out the life within us, priceless life itself. (194)
He knows that to lose this argument would mean his death, and even comments on the value of life. This
threat of death is enough for Creon to abandon all royal dignity and decorum to argue in the streets in
front of the chorus. When Jocasta hears of the fighting she says, Have you no sense? Poor misguided
men,/ such shoutingwhy this public outburst?/ Arent you ashamed (196). These actions show that
maintaining his life and status are more important than his reputation. In the end of the play when
Oedipus reaches for Creon, he subtly evades his grasp, already beginning to distance himself from the
ruined king. Oedipus says, Promise me, noble Creon, touch my hand! (Reaching toward Creon, who
draws back.) (249). In an act of self-preservation, Creon refuses contact with Oedipus lest the citizens
interpret his actions as forgiveness for the crimes committed, which would frame Creon as a weak leader
The chorus in Oedipus Rex fulfills the traditional role of choruses in Greek tragedies, showing the
opinions of the citizens of Thebes and influencing some characters decisions. In the beginning of the
play, the chorus is very loyal to Oedipus because he broke the curse of the Sphinx by solving a riddle.
This loyalty remains steadfast throughout the play until Oedipus true identity is revealed. With Oedipus
tragic fall, so falls the chorus loyalty to Oedipus. The chorus knows it must cut ties with Oedipus for
their own preservation. When Oedipus begs for death so that his loved ones suffering could end, the
chorus says, Oh if only would to god (242). The citizens realize that Oedipus is no longer the great
savior of the Thebes, and even begin to lament his existence because of the effect it had on their lives.
Every aspect of Oedipus life was motivated by self-preservation. His parents abandoned him at
birth for their own protection. Oedipus fled from Corinth so would not commit patricide and be shunned
by society. He even argued with Creon and Tiresias on suspicion that they were plotting against him.
Sophocles reiterates numerous time in Oedipus Rex that humanity has an innate sense if self-preservation
Works Cited
Sophocles. The Three Theban Plays. Trans. Robert Fagles. N.p.: Viking Penguin, 1982. Print.