Alvin Xiao, Period 5, 11/24/20, Day B

Alvin Xiao
12/1/20
Period 5
Modern Mythology 2021


Write about your thoughts regarding the most current reading.

    By the middle segment of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus appears to have lost his heroism. As he confronts Creon, he ignores anything sensible and focuses on bringing about his execution. It was interesting to observe Creon’s rationality in the face of Oedipus’ accusations, and perhaps his dignified character serves to further emphasize Oedipus’ downfall by presenting the contrast between Creon’s composure and Oedipus’ outburst. Other disparities between characters are also evident within the text. Jocasta presents herself as an unwavering believer of Oedipus’ virtues and constantly reassures Oedipus that he is not guilty of murdering King Laius. Through her assertion that prophecies are unreliable, she almost appears desperate in persuading Oedipus. As mentioned during a previous discussion, it is impossible for Jocasta to have never seen the scarred ankles of Oedipus, a distinct visual reminder of her son, suggesting that perhaps she keeps silent to protect her son. However, Jocasta’s firm support is largely contrasted by the unease of the Chorus. Conflicted over supporting Oedipus, the Chorus is unstable and represents the overall state of Thebes. Once again, the division between those loyal and those unsure contributes to the rising action and fills the audience with dread over the anticipated climax.


Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.

    Five of the six major components of a tragedy are noticeably integrated into this particular segment of the play. The plot has been progressing from the rising action to the climax through the increasing unrest among Thebes and the approaching reveal of the true murderer. The breaks in action add to that development, such as how the audience becomes relieved when Oedipus calms through Jocasta’s words, only to return right back to the rising action as Oedipus discovers Polybus was not his father. Second, the dynamic shift in character of Oedipus really captures the audience’s sympathy. Having lost his noble qualities, it is difficult to not pity his situation. The audience doesn’t just form an emotional connection with the play, there are also a lot of insightful elements that the audience can deliberate on, such as the morality of Jocasta’s silence. The diction serves to reinforce the other components of the tragedy. Oedipus describes Creon’s scheme as an “openly, highway robbery of [his] crown,” which highlights the groundless accusation he is making because Creon is innocent and is nowhere near a villain. The diction ridicules Oedipus in a manner that portrays him to no longer be worthy of any respect, making his downfall all the more heartbreaking. Finally, the melody of the words is also prevalent within the exchanges between the Strophe and the Antistrophe, where the two mirror each other’s rhythm by speaking the same amount of lines as one another.
    Analyzing and distinguishing each element of a tragedy within Oedipus Rex has shown me how important each part really is. Aside from the individual impact each component has, the unity of the six parts also reveals how each affects the other, such as diction strengthening character or thought-provoking themes strengthening the plot.


How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you? 

    Oedipus was blinded by his pride and denied any possibility of being the culprit, fearing how it would hurt his honor as the prideful, charismatic hero of Thebes. On the other hand, the blind prophet Tiresias saw the truth despite being unable to physically see. The paradox of blindness remains true even in the real world. Humans are inherently biased by their own goals and as a result, every action and thought are influenced. The reason Lady Justice is blindfolded alludes to the idea that sight is not impartial because we perceive things with bias. It is natural. But it is also workable. We can train ourselves to improve at keeping an open mind and being free of discrimination. It starts with acknowledgement. By recognizing this innate aspect of ourselves, we can gradually move towards mindfulness and learn from the tragedy of Oedipus.