Oedipus Notes

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a sense, has made him free.

1998: "The Oedipus that emerges from the palace is bloodstained and sightless, but unbroken."

Discuss this statement with reference to Sophocles' King Oedipus.

Impression ex 50

1999: Oracles and prophecies are central to Sophocles' King Oedipus.
Analyse the attitude to oracles and prophecies of each of the following: Oedipus; Jocasta; the Chorus.

50 (17, 17, 16)

. Oedipus is almost always a believer in the truth of oracles.

. Only the messenger from Corinth with his news of the death of Polybus shakes him - and then not for long.

. It can also be said that he mocks Teiresias' failure and prophecy.

. Jocasta has, she thinks, reason to doubt oracles. her son did not kill her husband.

. Her attitude is consistently hostile to prophets (and oracles) and may explain her resort to suicide.

. The Chorus are traditional in their attitudes and are shocked by Jocasta's scepticism.

. The Chorus ...

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mind are evident throughout.

. All his actions, although very quickly done, are, in fact based on logical thought - efforts to find the killer, attack on Creon, blinding.

. His cross-examinations of Creon, the Corinthian messenger and the shepherd are masterpieces of intelligent, sharp, quick interrogation.

Active:

. Oedipus is the man of action par excellence. He acts at speed and allows no obstacles to stand in his way. Sending Creon to Delphi, sending for Teiresias, attack on Creon, sending for the shepherd, blinding, insistence on exile are all relevant.

Openness:

. He insists all through on having everything out in the open: ...

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