Oedipus The King Part II
Why does Oedipus insist that he is better off blind and living than dead?
Oedipus believes that exile (suffering) is a fate worse than death.
What facts does Oedipus establish by questioning the Herdsman?
Oedipus establishes that the shepherd (herdsman) gave a child to the Corinthian Messenger so that the infant could be reared in safety in Corinth. The infant had been given to the herdsman by Jocasta; he was a son of Laius's royal line.
Why do you think Oedipus continues his investigation despite Jocasta's strong objections?
Oedipus is so caught up in the search for his true identity that he must persist.
Why might this scene be considered the climax, or high point, of the tragedy?
This scene marks the point of highest tension (climax) when Oedipus's downfall is conclusively established.
What happens at the beginning of part II?
The Corinthian Messenger delivers the news that King Polybus of Corinth is dead, so Oedipus was chosen to be the new king of Corinth.
Whom or what does the chorus address in the strophe beginning at line 1192?
The chorus addresses Cithaeron, the mountain near Thebes, where Oedipus had been exposed as an infant to die.
What hope does the chorus express here?
The chorus hopes that Oedipus will be shown to be the son of one of the gods.
At line 1042, Jocasta refers to "the holy oracles of the Gods." Given the context, what is verbally ironic about her words?
Jocasta means the opposite. She now believes that the "holy oracles of the Gods" were mistaken, thus illustrating verbal irony.
What does Oedipus want Creon to do at the end of the play?
Oedipus wants Creon to send him into exile to Mt. Cithaeron and to take care of his daughters.
What is Oedipus's reaction to Jocasta's abrupt exit at line 1177?
Oedipus wrongly infers that Jocasta may be ashamed at the possibility of his lowly birth.
Oedipus misinterprets the reasons for Jocasta's departure at lines 1183-1184. Examine elements of irony in his interpretation of her motives.
Oedipus's Conclusions: Jocasta is proud and may despise him for lowly birth. Ironic Elements: Jocasta is horrified at her realization of the truth about Oedipus, who was not low-born, but rather her own son and the son of Laius.
What is the literal meaning of Oedipus's name?
Oedipus's name means swollen-foot.
What does Oedipus's response to Jocasta's flight suggest about his character?
Oedipus's response suggests that he is self-conscious, insecure, and quick to take offense.
The Messenger attempts to cheer Oedipus when he reveals that Polybus and Merope were not the king's true parents. How do the Messenger's efforts result in a wrenching situational irony?
The messenger intends to assure Oedipus that he cannot possibly kill his father; Polybus had already died. Instead, the revelation triggers a catastrophic cascade of discovery. (situational irony event)
What clue to Oedipus's identity does his name contain?
The name alludes to the painful fettering of his ankles when he was left on Mount Cithaeron to die as an infant.
What might the playwright be saying about the importance of "knowing thyself"?
The quest for self knowledge is irresistible. (tragic flaw)
What events does the Second Messenger report?
The second messenger reports the suicide (hanging) of Jocasta and the self blinding of Oedipus.
At the play's end, do you think Oedipus is ennobled by suffering? Explain.
Yes, Oedipus has assumed responsibility for his destiny and is resigned to his fate (achieves catharsis- cleansing or purging)
Does this speech achieve the goal of dramatic tragedy? That is, does it evoke both pity and fear in you? Explain.
Yes. The vivid details and violent action succeed in evoking pity and fear (dramatic tragedy).
infamous
adj. disgraceful
consonant
adj. in harmony or agreement
beneficent
adj. kind; helpful
fettered
adj. shackled; chained
gratify
v. please
reverence
v. show great respect