Oedipus Tyrannus
Sophocles
In this Athenian tragedy play by Sophocles, it is a shocking
and twisted tale that takes place in media res and challenges the structure of
the family. The play which is first created through the prophecy of the oracle that
informs Oedipus’ father, Laius, and
Jocasta being told their fate if they are to have child, focus on the adult
life of Oedipus who is unaware of his past and future fate. There are multiple themes
that focus on fate, religion, being blind- literally and metaphorically- and
incest. It is a difficult book to put down, once you are invested in the tale.
I love reading this play because it is so intriguing to see
how the family structure is so intertwined, literally. We are so used to seeing
the nuclear family in many plays, yet this play demonstrates the effects of
being blind, one can come to question whether that blindness is out of truly
being blind or avoiding the truth. There is multiple excerpt provided in the
book that allow the reader to decide whether or not Oedipus is guilty of his
fate. Readers themselves get to explore what fate is and see it’s effect on
each character. It is an odd play, incest is never quite the popular theme of
most books, nonetheless it is a play I am sure that reader will not be able to
compare to anything else they have read.
Pro-
·
You are following the performance as an
investigator, there are multiples clues given by different characters, it is up
to the reader to place those clues together that can allow them to discover the
truth of Oedipus life before Oedipus does himself.
·
The play deals with interesting issues of incest
that allow for a truly shocking reaction.
·
The book provides excerpts of Freud’s idea of
Oedipus and sex (Oedipus Complex) which allows for in interesting discussion of
the family structure.
Con-
·
The play does deal with taboo subjects that may
be uncomfortable for students to discuss about.
·
The dialogue between the multiple characters may
be hard for students to follow, organizing the character is a must in order for
confusion to be avoided.
Links
Where to buy…
Oedipus in relation to history..
Who is Sophocles?
What’s the controversy with Freud:?
https://www.verywell.com/what-is-an-oedipal-complex-2795403
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