Oedipus

A major idea in this reading is that Oedipus wants to finally figure out the truth about his prophecy. A messenger comes and informs him of his supposed father’s death, Polybus. Oedipus and the queen Jocasta are heavily relieved; however, the messenger tells them that Oedipus was not really his son, but actually just a gift to Polybus from he messenger. That unravels a strong urge for Oedipus to learn what happened in his childhood.

A Messenger describes what happened when Oedipus entered the palace and saw that Jocasta had hanged herself. How might hearing this event rather than seeing it change an audience's perspective on the events?
I think that they hear about it first in order for it not to overshadow the important events going on at the time. It is done that way for it not to take precedence over Oedipus’s big moment finding out the truth and later gouging his eyes out in despair.

Regarding the same episode, what symbolic implications emerge from Oedipus' blinding himself? Do you find his action courageous and heroic, or do you interpret it some other way? Explain.
I think this refers to the earlier conversation with the blind man. Oedipus once believed if one was blind it was not possible to know much due to the lack of sight; however, after finding out the truth about his life he blinds himself and then realizes that he knows more than ever before as a blind man. I also the act of blinding himself came from a mixture of shock and guilt. He did indeed kill his father and sleep with his mother.

Oedipus laments and seeks exile. How does he understand what has happened to him? Why is it necessary that the audience hear him after all that has occurred?
Oedipus understands the whole situation because he forced a messenger and shepherd to tell him everything they knew about his childhood. He realizes that his life is cursed and I think it is necessary for the audience to hear him lament to Creon about exile and death so they can see that Oedipus did not want this fate and that it really is not in his control. I believe it sympathizes him and shows him as a true man to step up and take responsibility.

Also there are a few ironic moments I found in this reading. One example is on the pages 218-220. The following speech with the old man is ironic because that messenger had just told him that Polybus, his father, was dead and that brought relief to Oedipus because that would mean the prophecy was not true. But then unexpectedly the messenger told him that Polybus was not his blood father. Therefore, Oedipus had avoided Corinth his whole life due to the fact that his “fake” dad was ruling when he really could of safely gone back.

On pages 236-248, the general situation is ironic because if the shepherd had just killed Oedipus as ordered by Laius, his whole tale would not have occurred. I find that kind of funny that such a small decision can have such a big future impact. Also, when Oedipus gouges his own eyes out it is very ironic because he was so insistent on finding out the truth about this his curse, then after he does he decides that he does not want to lay eyes on the truth anymore. (570)