Second+Episode+&+Ode

__**Second Episode & Ode **__ Plot:

Purpose of the Section: This section, which begins with the argument between Oedipus and Creon and develops into the conversation between Oedipus and Jocasta, mainly contributes to the plot development of the play. As Oedipus first begins to suspect himself of being King Laius’ murder, this particular section marks a crucial beginning in Oedipus’ realization of the truth. While the major contribution of this section to the whole play is plot development, this section is also dedicated to provide further insights into Oedipus and other major characters. It also reveals Oedipus’ relationships with other characters like Creon and Jocasta, underlined through the interactions he makes with these characters in the section, whether it is an intense argument with accusation or a patient dialogue that leads to Oedipus’ first suspicion. Finally, the section closes with uncertainties, as Oedipus is suggested to be possibly responsible for the crime, yet without clear evidence, thus creating the mood of suspense before the plot further develops to reveal the truth.

Characterization of Oedipus:

Other Characters’ Roles & Characterizations: Creon:  l The argument between Oedipus and Creon, accusing each other as a murderer, helps the audience deepen their understanding of Creon as a character, while underlining Oedipus’ irrational, short-tempered nature through the contrast.  l Loyal, Honest: “Treason never was my bent, nor I a man who parleys with an anarchist.” (pg 33)  l Confident: “It’s clear you’re not thinking straight (pg 34),” “If you really think a stubborn mind is something to be proud of, you’re not thinking straight (pg 30).” “I could not covet kingship for itself when I can be a king by other means (pg33).”  l Patriotic, Responsible, Caring: “Not just yours. My city too.” (pg 35) l <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Patient: “Listen to my answer to your charge. And when you’ve heard me, judge.” l <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Creon’s long speech clearly explains why it is not sensible for Oedipus to believe that Creon wishes to throw him over, and also to blindly assume that Creon is the murderer of King Laius. It also reveals his rhetorical skills, rational thoughts and confidence (despite challenges/threats from Oedipus). Such characteristics of Creon are contrasted and juxtaposed against Oedipus’ strong tendency to be irrational and stubborn. (“I want you dead: a lesson to all of how much envy’s worth.” pg 34)

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Jocasta: l <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Jocasta is the character that drives and majorly contributes to the thought process of Oedipus who tries to investigate the underlying truth behind the death of King Laius <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 40pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> l <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Jocasta’s earnest appeal and the choral dialogue added in between play the role of soothing and alleviating the anger that Oedipus had been failing to control, allowing him to think and contemplate in a more rational manner about his accusation of Creon <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 40pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> l <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Jocasta’s dialogue with Oedipus is crucial in revealing and suggesting the possible connection between Oedipus and the crime he is so eager to dig into. Rather patient, progressive questions and answers exchanged between Jocasta and Oedipus allows Oedipus to put different pieces of information and hints together, leading him to feel that he might possible be responsible for the crime <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 40pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> l <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Jocasta’s caring, maternal nature is underlined through how she tries to pacify and help Oedipus relax by guiding him through a patient talk: links to the fact that she is his mom <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 40pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> l <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Ironically, Jocasta’s attempt to help Oedipus relax ends up providing some important hints for Oedipus to question himself of killing King Laius

Literary Features:

Irony:

Motifs: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 40pt; text-indent: -20pt;">Dualism: presence of two different roles/identities <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 60pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> n <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Oedipus as the King & Individual <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 60pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> n <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Oedipus as the ‘investigator’ of the crime & criminal <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 60pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> n <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Oedipus as son & husband of Jocasta <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 60pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> n <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Jocasta as mom & wife of Oedipus <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 60pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> n <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Two cities: Corinth & Thebes <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 60pt; text-indent: -20pt;"> n //<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Underlines and parallels with the conflict that Oedipus is struggling with throughout the play, trying to figure out which identity or role is really his. //

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 40pt; text-indent: -20pt;">Religion, Gods n <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Chorus in third choral ode effectively addresses how excessive pride of human may irritate the gods n <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Humans should respect and show faith to the gods; hubris can be destructive n <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Oracles and prophesies: oracles speak the truth, definitely have a purpose - men should not overlook nor ignore them for they directly represent what gods have to say

Significant Lines: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">“Pride engenders power, pride, banqueting on vanities mistaken and mistimed; scaling pinnacles to dash a foot against Fate’s stone. But the true and patriotic man heaven never trips to fall. So I for one shall never desert the god who is our champion (pg 47).”