2. Reflection

Reflecting on the past is a pass time people often practice – especially in Greek drama. In Socrates’ play, Oedipus, the protagonist dives into his past occurrences with the aid of a few other servants and friends, and discovers he is the pollution harming Thebes. Oedipus experiences anagnorisis towards the conclusion of the tragedy; he begins to realize he is possibly the killer of King Laius rather than another unfaithful man. “O God, I think I have called curses upon myself in ignorance” (862-863). Jocasta, the messengers, and herdsman all contribute tidbits of information from King Laius’s killing and Oedipus’s prophecy. Hearing all the information forces Oedipus to reflect on his past and brings forth familiar images and occurrences. The crossroads in which King Laius was killed proves to be the same crossroads Oedipus defends himself on. “I thought I heard you say that Laius was killed at a crossroads” (842-843). All of this familiar information leads Oedipus into realizing there is no doubt he is not the killer of Laius, who is also his father according to prophecy.

Oedipus’s past actions ultimately lead him to banishment and suffering. Creon takes charge and states, “let go the children, then, and come” (1719). In attempts to avoid the prophecy of killing his father and sleeping with his mother, Oedipus leaves the land of Corinth along with his “parents”. Oedipus arrives in the land of Thebes which his true home. “And as I journeyed I came to the place where, as you say, this king met with his death” (931-932). Defending himself against armed strangers Oedipus “killed them all” (946-947). Oedipus reflecting on his past is very significant in that he reaches anagnorisis and the audience learns a lesson on what not to do throughout life. Ultimately, prophecy and the Gods are unavoidable.