By using allusions, Greek plays are able to become much more magnified, for
they add a connection from an outside work of literature into the current
piece. Within the play Oedipus The King, an allusion to the Sphinx
is used to convey the storyline, and is the reason for Oedipus’s kingship. The
Sphinx has seized the city, spreading a plague, and taking the lives of those
who cannot solve her riddle. “In the unnumbered death of its people the city
dies..”(203-204). The old ruler of the land, Kreon, offers a position of
kingship to whoever can stop this reign of terror, so Oedipus accepts the challenge.
“You came and by your coming saved our city, freed us from the tribute which we
paid of old to the Sphinx, cruel singer.” (39-41). Once he had solved her
riddle, she had cast away into the mountains, ashamed of herself – Oedipus was
now king of this land.
The allusion to the
Sphinx is the foundation of the beginning portion of the play and is used to
set the overall plot. Through this allusion, it is proved that Oedipus contains
compassion for the citizens of Thebes. Although, he values his social status,
and desires to achieve a position much higher than others. The Sphinx was used
as Oedipus’s motivation to alter this plague-infested land into a safe haven. His
intentions also become very clear as a result of this allusion - his intentions
of curing the land, achieving justice, and proving his integrity to the
individuals of Thebes. This allusion to the Sphinx serves multiple purposes,
but overall, it enhances the story of Oedipus, making it more comprehensible.
"What is the
creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in
the evening?". This riddle is the reason for the death of many men and
women. The simple word “Man” had saved the
city of Thebes.
The overall allusion to the Sphinx provides an obstacle in the plot for the characters to struggle with, and eventually overcome. As you stated, the Sphinx is “used to set the overall plot” which proves to be correct, since Oedipus would not be of a high power without properly solving the riddle. Readers, who understand Greek mythology well, would typically know of the Sphinx and connect their outside knowledge to the play enhancing the overall effect – this is the purpose of allusions.
ReplyDelete