Zhu Liang Yan, Period 6, 1/06/23

Literacy & Learning

• Write about your thoughts regarding any of the fiction or nonfiction covered in class.

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

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

    Oedipus Rex struck me as something exciting. The idea is that regardless of what you do and what you're trying to avoid, the fate that you were handed or prophesied is inevitable. In the story, Oedipus was consistently trying to prevent the future that was given to him by Tiresias. However, by doing so, this led to him fulfilling the prophecy Tiresias gave. I found the display of dramatic irony here fascinating. Oedipus's struggle to go against his prediction led him to his prophecy instead. The theme and symbolism of the story have been studied and referenced throughout many generations, even in modern times. I found it amusing how such a play could gather so much traction and popularity despite being created in Greek times. The reason for that was that both the space displays a well-written theatric formula and effective delivery. In the end, Oedipus fell from a high place, from the throne to being exiled and blinded. The tragedy is timeless. Humans will always encounter unpredictable disasters and difficulties in our lives, despite our effort and preparation. The play perfectly demonstrates that no matter how hard you struggle, fate might not be in your favor. More or less, we can only rise from the difficulties and endure them as they are.

    Furthermore, we must deal with them bravely because we have no control over what happens around us. Although Oedipus Rex ended in a communal idea of a tragic ending in which he lost his throne, blinded himself, and was exiled, there was symbolism in the belief that he gouged out his eyes and became blind. In Greek, blindness is often associated with wisdom; hence the blind prophet Tiresias could see the future while Oedipus refused to accept his prophecy and downplayed him. In the end, it was Oedipus who lost his eyes which symbolizes the idea that he gained such wisdom and finally submitted to Tiresias's prophecy, Oedipus effectively losing his pride and ignorance. In the end, there was something to be gained by Oedipus; perhaps the ending is not necessarily tragic or good but simply neutral. We knew, and Oedipus knew what was going to happen, that everything had been set beforehand; it was him simply fulfilling his prophecy from the very beginning.

    We can see this idea of ignorance of truth in modern-day society. Many of us live in a hyperreality in which misinformation, ideas, and a general herd mentality are common. We live in a space in which we are overloaded with information and hardly have time for us to understand our own destination and where we're going. Although fate is an abstract and superstitious idea, there will always be outside forces that one cannot control, which it'll influence and direct one's life. Moreover, the play grows on the idea that Oedipus willingly ignored the truth, which led to his further dismay. Had he faced reality, then he might've approached fate in another way that might benefit more of those around him and have a less tragic outcome. This bears a strong resemblance to the philosophy that death is inevitable and it is our final destination; because of that, we should try our best to leave or approach the world in some way that would prove meaningful and fulfilling. To add on, this ignorance of truth could also be displayed in modern climate change deniers. Despite the mounting evidence and studies, thousands of people deny the idea of climate change; this ignorance could be devastating as we approach a global crisis that requires action. This will of ignoring the truth can also be seen in many parts and bits of society. It is important to face such adversities bravely and understand that the journey might be more fulfilling than the destination from Oedipus Rex.