Revisiting an Old Friend: Oedipus
I know that Oedipus the King was our first ever text for Arts One and that today was the day of our final exam, but it would be selfish of me to not share this amazing discovery. As I was listening to one of my favorite songs, Demons by the Imagine Dragons, I realized how it almost seems like the entire song is narrating the life of Oedipus. I’d love to explain how I they relate to one another, but then the song is as self-explanatory as it gets. So,…read more
Sophocles, Oedipus
Sophocles, Oedipus Edition used: Oxford, Trans. Stephen Berg & Diskin Clay More material related to Sophocles Image attribution: Gustave Moreau, Oedipus and the Sphinx, public domain on Wikimedia Commons
Oedipus and Freud’s theory on the psyche (Superego, ego & id)
When reading Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, I immediately did a mental character analysis on Oedipus and realized how similar he is to Marlow from Conrad’s Heart of Darkness…Now bare with me, I know it is a bit of a stretch, but what I’m trying to say is, if you apply Freud’s psychology on the psyche […]
Oedipus as the Modern Man
Two graduates from my high school have expressed the goal of becoming prime ministers of Canada. In order to be the best prime ministers they can be, they’re attending university to gain the knowledge and experience that will eventually help … Continue reading →
A Fatalistic Fatality
Throughout Oedipus Rex, the importance of fate and the role it plays, provide the structure for a debate of whether or not Oedipus is culpable for his actions. The overarching theme of fate versus freedom is one that magnifies the … Continue reading →
Jocasta’s role and character development
Jocasta first enters the play at the height of the quarrel between Oedipus and Kreon. She immediately slips on the role of peacekeeper, attempting to appease the two. The manner in which Jocasta addresses Kreon and Oedipus, and they in … Continue reading →
No half measures!
During discussion around Odeipus’ guilt I found it interesting when it was suggested that Oedipus was guilty of criminal negligence (I’m very sorry I don’t remember whose idea this was). I found this to be a very compelling argument because in … Continue reading →
What’s the focus of Sophocles’ Oedipus?
In Arts One last week we discussed Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. We put a bunch of questions/topics for discussion on the board and didn’t get to all of them (unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence in Arts One, but fortunately, it’s because students are so engaged and want to discuss!). I wrote a question on the […]
Ignorance is bliss?
Human beings are creatures of habit: We fight, question, and challenge. Seek power, freedom and knowledge. In the case of ‘Oedipus the King’, Oedipus embodies all these traits in the play as he attempts to defeat fate, save his people, … Continue reading →
Oedipus: King or Tyrant?
In class on Friday we discussed in groups whether we thought Oedipus was a good or bad person, or a good or bad king. We didn’t have time to go over the reasons on each side, but I took pictures so you could see them all. Personally, I think it’s fair to say (especially after […]