Irony
Tiresias claim that
Oedipus was the murderer of Laius sparked an angry dispute with Oedipus.
Oedipus aggressively protests against Tiresias accusation and insults him by
saying, “It does but not for you, old man. You’ve lost your power, stone-blind,
stone deaf—senses, eyes blind as stone” (420-422). This shows the character
development of Oedipus as he expresses his high temper and lack of maturity as
a leader. After Tiresias says that he was trusted by Oedipus’s parents, Oedipus
is intrigued and confused on what Tiresias was trying to say. “Parents—who?
Wait… who is my father?” (498).
Dramatic irony is
brought forth when Oedipus enters the palace and Tiresias states, “He sowed the
loins his father sowed, he spilled his father’s blood!” (522-523). The audience
now knows that Oedipus’s real father was Laius and his mother is Jocasta, who
is disturbingly also his wife. However Oedipus is still clueless on whom his
parents really are. Sowing the same loins as his father means that they both
slept with the same women.
Revealing this truth
adds to the plot by giving it a twist and more fuel for a dramatic downfall of
Oedipus. When the truth is finally revealed, the results will be worse than
before. The characters that will be affected most upon discovery on this news
will obviously be Oedipus and Jocasta. The realization from Oedipus that not
only had he killed his biological father, but he has had sex and kids with his
biological mother and that can psychologically impact Oedipus. Jocasta will
mostly likely feel shame and disgusted.
Revealing this truth
adds to the plot by giving it a twist and more fuel for a dramatic downfall of
Oedipus. When the truth is finally revealed, the results will be worse than
before. The characters that will be affected most upon discovery on this news
will obviously be Oedipus and Jocasta. The realization from Oedipus that not
only had he killed his biological father, but he has had sex and kids with his
biological mother and that can psychologically impact Oedipus. Jocasta will
mostly likely feel shame and disgusted.
By acknowledging the dramatic irony within this part of the play, it can be predicted that this also may be another reason for Oedipus’s downfall. The truth will affect not only Oedipus, but a majority of the characters as well, and you make that very clear within your blog. An example that you clearly discuss is the character of Jocasta. Once she realizes the cruel crimes of incest Oedipus has been afflicting, she will feel shameful and very much guilty. Each event that Oedipus experiences within this portion of the play will eventually lead to the tragedy that is waiting for every main character within a Greek drama.
ReplyDeleteThe irony in what he has done is also in how he was warned about it earlier from the prophecy but yet he still falls victim to the prophecy.
ReplyDeleteThis irony occurs because of the theme of Fate. In a Greek tragedy, fate is usually the controlling force. It was Oedipus' fate to fulfill the prophecy and that is what he did.
ReplyDeleteThere is also another ironic moment that Oedipus is at the forefront of. He knows there will be a prophecy prior to encountering Teiresias but is unaware what the prophecy will determine. When we find out the prophet says he is the actual killer, it is an ironic moment in the story.
ReplyDeleteOedipus is a unique character in which he commits such frowned upon acts unknowingly. He seems as if he was a genuine king, but their is only so much that can be done to fate. Oedipus was predicted to kill his father the prophecy was fulfilled.
ReplyDelete