Bean’s Weblog

Blog #5? #6?

Part 1:

A binary that permeates the play Oedipus the King is the contrast of light and dark. Light tends to be more present in the beginning of the play, and darkness more so towards the end of the play. As far a light goes, Oedipus could be considered light because he solves the riddle of the sphinx, thus saving the city of Thebes. As the play progresses however, Oedipus’ darker side (although unknown to him) begins to slowly show itself, as the fact that he murders his father and married his mother becomes apparent. Another example of darkness is at the end of the play when Oedipus puts out his eyes, thus blinding himself, reducing a good part of his senses to darkness. These binaries represent, to a certain extent, the overall mood of the play. The beginning of the play starts out with Oedipus being revered as an excellent ruler of Thebes and things are light and happy(well…sort of) When Oedipus’ sins are brought to light (har har har.) however, the mood of the play turns towards the dark side. This binary as well as others are central to Oedipus’ struggle, as well as being central to the theme of the play.

 

Part 2:

Hamartia: A mistake or error in judgement. Can be either known or unknown to the character. Is this present in Oedipus the King? Absolutely! Oedipus unwittingly kills his father and then marries his mother. What better example of hamartia!

Hubris: Hubris is similar to hamartia, as it is a sort of error in judgement; however this one has to due with pride or arrogance. Is this shown in Oedipus the King? Yes. When the sage tells Oedipus that he is responsible for the death of the previous king, Oedipus tells the sage that he is fool.

Catharsis: Catharsis is a climax of emotion, whether it is happy or sad. Does this happen in the play? Why else would we be asked to define it! When Oedipus finds out that he was in fact the one that killed ex-king Laios he stabs out his eyes, defiantly an emotional climax.

Peripeteia: A sudden reversal of circumstances, or turning point. In the play, when Oedipus finds out that he killed his own father and married his mother. Going from a respective figure to a resented incestuous murderer, that is a reversal of circumstances if ever there was one.

Anagnorisis: A discovery or realisation. In the case of this play, the discovery resulted in Peripeteia for Oedipus, as he realises that he killed his father and married his mother.

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