Sophocles Journal 2

Journal: How does the background information on Greek Theater and History inform your reading of Oedipus? Use specific examples to explore the connections between context and content.

Especially because I got (packet #3) the Sophocles reading I have a clearer understanding of Sophocles as a man and as a poet. For example, the reading mentioned how his tragedies are "never ruffled by the intrusion of contemporary politics" and that "it would be impossible, in any of his extant dramas, to point to a s single passage which can be regarded as a direct allusion to passing events" In that sense, one would come to think of Sophocles' tragedies as timeless or ageless because their maxims are "of the most general description" and therefore do not reflect particular belief systems (concerning politics) in his works that are unique to only his time period.

I feel that the way Sophocles weaves his words helps to make his concepts more susceptible to the reader. This is done in a very obvious manner with the way Sophocles' chooses his words. For example, when Creon asks (few after line 695): What do you want? You want me banished? And then to which Oedipus replies (on the line after): No, I want you dead. This is a short but concise example of the way Sophocles chooses his words very precisely to convey the character of Oedipus. Being that he is the protagonist (principle character) all of the energy and power of this play is focused on him. His words are very prompt and the way characters describe him are also very point blank. On page 193 there is a very long monologue (that I will not type out) which describes and puts even more energy on to Oedipus.

On females- Another thing I learned from the Greek Theater and History was that there were no female actors and therefore the roles of females in plays would be performed my males. When Jocasta (queen, &wife of Oedipus) was first introduced in what I read earlier, I could not help but imagine a male figure playing her role. It was an interesting sight.