Essay On Oedipus The King
Tessa Garibaldi
November 15, 2012
Mr. Stoner
English 10 Lit. (H)
Oedipus Rex: Analysis of Story and Criticism Throughout the play Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles I, readers notice that identification of characters is crucial. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is the King of Thebes when a plague is brought upon his community. He sends Creon, his brother-in-law, to identify the origin of the plague. In doing so, he discovers that the reason is because a murder has been committed that has befouled the community. Creon discovers that the Old King, Laius, has been murdered and Oedipus wants to know who committed this crime. Oedipus goes to Tiresias to acquire further knowledge and Oedipus then realizes that chances are, he committed the murder. The challenge is discovering Oedipus’ origin to decipher if this really was his fate. Because the story of Oedipus the King is undefined, there are many criticisms and interpretations of Sophocles’ story. I believe Kurt Fasso’s criticism …show more content…
Readers have knowledge from the play and the criticism that Laius may have had multiple sons, meaning Oedipus could have had a brother. Since Oedipus’ fate was told from a drunk man on his way to the oracle, it is uncertain that the prophecy even belongs to him, it could have been meant for his brother. Fosso states, “…too many babies, too many oracles, and even too many mothers…” (pg.8. Fosso, Kurt). Fosso is explaining how there are so many women and so many children born amongst these women that Oedipus could literally be anyone’s offspring and may have had multiple “siblings.” Fosso’s criticism seems valid to me because what is known to be Oedipus’ fate, may have been meant for another member of Laius’ kingdom. Since Laius had many relationships with many citizens of Thebes, the paternal certainty of his children, including Oedipus, is
November 15, 2012
Mr. Stoner
English 10 Lit. (H)
Oedipus Rex: Analysis of Story and Criticism Throughout the play Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles I, readers notice that identification of characters is crucial. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is the King of Thebes when a plague is brought upon his community. He sends Creon, his brother-in-law, to identify the origin of the plague. In doing so, he discovers that the reason is because a murder has been committed that has befouled the community. Creon discovers that the Old King, Laius, has been murdered and Oedipus wants to know who committed this crime. Oedipus goes to Tiresias to acquire further knowledge and Oedipus then realizes that chances are, he committed the murder. The challenge is discovering Oedipus’ origin to decipher if this really was his fate. Because the story of Oedipus the King is undefined, there are many criticisms and interpretations of Sophocles’ story. I believe Kurt Fasso’s criticism …show more content…
Readers have knowledge from the play and the criticism that Laius may have had multiple sons, meaning Oedipus could have had a brother. Since Oedipus’ fate was told from a drunk man on his way to the oracle, it is uncertain that the prophecy even belongs to him, it could have been meant for his brother. Fosso states, “…too many babies, too many oracles, and even too many mothers…” (pg.8. Fosso, Kurt). Fosso is explaining how there are so many women and so many children born amongst these women that Oedipus could literally be anyone’s offspring and may have had multiple “siblings.” Fosso’s criticism seems valid to me because what is known to be Oedipus’ fate, may have been meant for another member of Laius’ kingdom. Since Laius had many relationships with many citizens of Thebes, the paternal certainty of his children, including Oedipus, is