LIT+CRITICS+2

__12/5--__ In the beginning of Oedipus Rex, many lit. devices are used. Some are: Parallel structure lines 26-28 "A blight is on . . . ."

The fact that Oedipus has married his mother and killed his father and is now searching for the murderer is dramatic irony. It is a recurring theme and cause of much of the story of the beginning of Oedipus. 12/5 continued-- example- "Had his line not been unfortunate we would have common children" (line 281)
 * Dramatic Irony throughout*

__12/6--__ Irony- -Teiresias- the blind oracle -inner sight- outer blindness, verses Oedipus' blindness to the future and ability to see the present (motif- reoccurring theme) -Teirasias keeps hinting (using dramatic irony) toward the secret, while Oedipus is blind to the situation -Teirasias is foreshadowing -Oedipus maybe piecing Teirasias' hints together, but continues to deny the truth -Chorus(society)-does not want to believe the oracle because Oedipus saved their city

Reverse Situational Irony- -motif -Every time Oedipus tries to escape his fate, he ends up running right into it -running away from the first oracle's insight he ends up killing his father

Characteristics of the character Oedipus -selfless- caring for his country- puts societies needs above his own -stubbornness and defensiveness- fighting Teiresias' claims (in denial)

__12/12--__ We see many recurring themes in the story, such as the concept of **blindness and sight**. This is shown through the blind oracle, who is able to see into the future and know what will happen, yet he is unable to see the things right in front of him. On the other hand, Oedipus is able to see the things in front of him, but he is ignorant to what will happen in the future and as a result of his actions.

Another theme is the concept of **light and darkness**. Darkness could relate to the character's **lack of knowledge**, while light possibly relates to a character's **insight** on the situation.. Blindness- Oedipus being in denial to the situation and inability to see what is happening, even though people like the oracle and Creon are pointing him right to the truth. Darkness- the secret of the oracle's prophecy, and of Oedipus's marriage. Vision/Light- Tiresias's knowledge and prediction of Oedipus's life and destiny

Insight and lack of knowledge is shown in Part II, when Oedipus and Jocasta begin to realize the truth about their lives. Jocasta begins to put together the pieces of the puzzle and realizes what has happened before Oedipus, who will not yield until it is proven to him by the herdsman. Jocasta begs the king to accept things as they are, to bury this matter, and to move on. We suspect she knows, or has an idea, of the true identity of Oedipus. He however, demonstrating again both his stubbornness and his blindness, does not listen, and both he and Jocasta suffer from the result.

__12/12 & 12/14--__ Part ll of //The Oedipus// shows the true irony of the entire story. Oedipus **has been able to physically see** what is in front of his face -->BUT **blind to the truth** about his past for Part I. Now in Part ll searches to find the truth about his past. Throughout the time that he searches he is still blind, and we see that Jocasta knows that he is blind as well, and urges him to leave it be. Stubbornly he calls for a messanger to tell him the truth. According to Oedipus, Apollo (god of light and knowlege) shines the light on him, and he realizes the truth about his past. In despair he gouges his eyes out so he may not see his mistakes anymore. Now he **can not physically see**, but he is **no longer blind to the truth.**

Oedipus and Jocasta suffer because of Oedipus' fate. Jocasta hangs herself and Oedipus wishes to die, for he cannot see and, he feels as though he is worth nothing. They both try to run from their fate, but blindly fall into it instead.

__Critical Thinking Questions:__ 1. Do you believe that Oedipus would still fulfill the prophecy if he had never left Corinth originally? 2. In your opinion, what recurring theme or motif, is most important in Oedipus Rex? Explain. 3. Give at least two examples of how the motif played a role in the plot of Oedipus Rex? 4. Explain, using examples, how reverse situational irony was portrayed in this play. Was it critical to the story? 5. How did Jocasta's decision to commit suicide affect her family? Do you think it was the right decision?