When an individual does something right, it is only natural for others to want to follow that individual’s footsteps. In Oedipus the King, Oedipus is the individual who people flock to in time of trouble. “Raise up our city, save it and raise it up.” The Priest exclaims this to Oedipus with a mere hope of optimism from the once-hero-of-Thebes (Line 59). With a treasured history of dominance as a leader in Thebes and pressure on him to prevail, the weight lies on Oedipus’s shoulders. Reviving a city in such a downfall is not a task one can simply complete. It takes the right person. A person who has the support of a multitude of people in the community. A person who is capable of defeating difficult tasks. Because of Oedipus’s wisdom and experience, the people of Thebes look to him in a way similar to how Jesus is to Christianity and Lebron James is to the city of Cleveland; a savior. How can one individual bear the burden of overcoming a famine and disease-stricken plague on his own? “Now Oedipus, Greatest in all men’s eyes, here falling at your feet we all entreat you, find us some strength for rescue” (lines 46-48). When the Priest unveils this statement to Oedipus, it becomes apparent how heavily the people of Thebes depend on him. People run to his support because of his decorated resumé, including his prior victory over the Sphinx. Oedipus is like a shepherd, with a herd of sheep following him. They seek his guidance and reverence in this treacherous struggle. He faces the challenge of returning his city to a desirable place.
The connection you drew between Oedipus and a shepherd is definitely accurate. It is only natural that someone who has a history of overcoming conflict would be the first person to which the people of Thebes would flock in a time of need. Oedipus has protected them in the past the way a shepherd watches over his sheep. People look toward those who have a record of success because that person has already provided for them.
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic how the people look up to Oedipus as a savior. They look to him for help in the midst of the plague, but unbeknownst to them he is the cause of it. They look to him to find and banish King Laius' murderer but he need not look further than his own reflection.
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