11/27/19 Victoria Zhu Period 8

11/27/19

Victoria Zhu PD 8 

Aim: How does the introduction of Jocasta in the play add complexity and discord to the drama?

Do now: Imagine the situation that Jocasta is in- her husband wants to kill/banish her brother for disloyalty. What would you do?

• Deciding between your husband and your brother is a difficult situation. On one hand, it the husband of many years and the life they’ve built and on the other, a brother whom you love and is your blood relative. I personally would try to appease both sides because I wouldn’t want a severed relationship with either of them. 
• Taison said he would side with the brother and try to get the husband to change his mind because he wouldn’t want a family member to slip away knowing that he possibly had the power to change his brother’s fate. Ms. Fusaro contradicts by saying, if she does that then what Creon said is true, that Oedipus is the murderer of Laius. 

Stichomythia is a technique in verse drama in which sequences of single alternating lines are given to alternating characters. It typically features repetition and antithesis and is used to create suspense. It’s well suited in dramatic dialogue where characters are in violet dispute. 

In-class Reading

• Pg 133-135>>  example of stichomythia between Oedipus and Creon 
• Pg  141-142>> this excerpt shows Jocasta doesn’t believe in prophets and prophecies. Oedipus shares his prophecy and almost puts it together then Jocasta pulls him back saying that the prophecy was incorrect because their son was already dead and Laius died at the crossroads. 
• Pg 150-151>> a messenger from Corinth told Oedipus his father, Polybus is dead and he’s now the King of Corinth and Thebes. Thre pair relieved because Polybus died by natural causes which means the prophecy was false. Oedipus is still worried about bedding with his mother. Jocasta tells him not to worry. Many men have lain with his mother, especially in dreams. Ms. Fusaro said it wasn’t normal. Anyone who thinks about that a lot needs to talk to someone, professional.  It’s never normal. 

Jocasta… a history of denial? 

In Greek mythology, Chrysippus was a divine hero of Elis. He was kidnapped and killed by Laius, his tutor. This act was a crime in which he, his city and his family would be punished by the gods. 

• This is another example where children suffer greatly for their parent’s actions in Greek Mythology. Oedipus is paying big time for Laius’ crime. 

Whole group discussion 

Does the possibility that Jocasta’s knowledge of Laius’ history makes any statement about her character? About the plight of women? Responsibility of women? 

• Helen brought up that once she saw the scars, she would be in denial. She wouldn’t want to believe it. Revealing the truth would bring chaos and their responsibility is to keep order. 
• Brian talked out Jocasta wanting to bury the truth because she might lose her title and the support she gets from the people. 
• Someone else said about women enduring. Since she found out, she can do one of two things: let it slip out and everything bad is going to happen or endure the secret and keep everything the way it is.
• Ms. Fusaro raised the question about their children and brings it back to the theme of women enduring. Oedipus and Jocasta have 4 children so it’s not just them, they have to think about their futures too. 
• We started talking about the Oedipus Complex and how its theorized but was cut off by the bell. 

Reflection 

Today, learning about Jocasta’s mindset throughout this event helped us analyze her actions and explain her motives. Jocasta may have known that Oedipus is her son but because of their situation, it wasn’t revealed. Women have the responsibility of the home and the children. Jocasta was tasked with the difficult decision of shedding light on the cold hard truth or preserving her family and their futures. This play is an extreme example of denial on behalf of Jocasta and ignorance/irony on behalf of Oedipus. We won’t be in the same situation, but the lesson is prevalent. When presented with a hard truth what would we do? Endure it as Jocasta, unable to grasp it as Oedipus or expose and risk everything? I believe this lesson helps enforce the idea that secrets within relationships can cause the demise of it. Although if the secret doesn’t cause harm, it’s better to let the truth out and deal with the fallout. Secrets are bound to come out eventually and it’ll hurt more as time progresses.