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What is the function of the Chorus Do they view life and the gods in the same way as Jocasta?
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∙ 7y ago
The Chorus in Greek tragedies serves as a collective voice representing the societal norms, values, and beliefs of the time. They provide commentary on the events of the play and offer insight into the larger thematic elements. Jocasta's views on life and the gods differ from the Chorus in "Oedipus Rex," as she initially dismisses the idea of fate and prophecy, while the Chorus acknowledges and reveres the power of the gods.
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Does the chorus' view of the gods and life differ from Jocasta's in 'Oedipus Rex'?
Yes, the chorus' view of life and the gods differs from that of Jocasta in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the chorus of Theban elders does not question even when the members do not understand the will of the gods and the workings of fate in all human lives. In contrast, Theban Queen Jocasta fights against divine will and prophesied fates that she dislikes. For example, she makes arrangements to sabotage a prophecy that her son will grow up to kill her husband.
Why does jocasta commit suicide in Oedipus Rex?
Jocasta commits suicide in Oedipus Rex because she realizes that the prophecies have been fulfilled, and that she has married her own son. In essence, her kids with Oedipus are also her grandchildren.All of the grief associated with this realization makes Jocasta's will to live go away. She kills herself because she doesn't want to deal with reality.For breaking divine and human laws, Jocasta commits suicide in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. -- 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Queen Jocasta disrespects the gods by trying to thwart a horrible prophecy about her child and her husband. Subsequently and albeit unknowingly, Jocasta compounds the matter by marrying her own son Oedipus and having children with him. Incest is an offense against the gods, who can consort with whomsoever they please; and against mortals, who are considered blasphemous when they ape the gods. A mortal committing suicide is acceptable to the gods, who consider taking one's life an admission of and apology for misbehavior
Which general lesson does the chorus draw from the example of Oedipus' life?
Smooth sailing through life as a rare human experience is the general lesson that the chorus draws from the example of Theban King Oedipus' life. The chorus indicates that a pain free existence isn't something that the gods promise mortals. So the mortal who dies without any painful memories is few and far between in earthly life.
Why are Oedipus and Jocasta punished in 'Oedipus Rex'?
That they offend the gods and mortals through their opposition to their fates, their neglect of cleansing rituals regarding Laius' death and their incestuous marriage are reasons why Oedipus and Jocasta are punished in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Oedipus and Jocasta each receive prophecies of unenviable fates when they are young. Each one is arrogant and blasphemous in thinking that the gods can be outwitted, the Furies outrun, and fates changed. Also, even the mistaken killingof fathers and kings is an offense against both gods and mortals. It is so serious that cleansing rituals must be carried out and the guilty must be identified and punished. Neither is done following the mysterious murder of Theban King Laius, Jocasta's first husband.Additionally, it is possible for gods to have incestuous relations, which is how Gaia starts up life on planet Earth. But it is blasphemous for mortals to engage in these relationships. The blasphemy holds even in the case of the albeit unknowingly mother-son involvement at the base of Oedipus' and Jocasta's marriage.
Who is the Queen of Thebes and the mother of Oedipus?
The Queen of Thebes and mother of Oedipus is Jocasta. She unknowingly married her own son, Oedipus, fulfilling a prophecy that was foretold to her husband, King Laius. Upon learning the truth, Jocasta tragically takes her own life.
What does the chorus think of Teiresias in 'Oedipus Rex'?
That he is wise but not a god is what the chorus thinks of Teirsias in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the chorus is as confused as Theban King Oedipus is by Teiresias the blind prophet's accusations. The members do not see anything in Oedipus' personal or professional life to warrant charges of criminal and questionable moral behavior. They suggest that prophets may be skilled but are not as perfect as gods.
On what day is Jocasta born in 'Oedipus Rex'?
It is unknown on which day Jocasta is born in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the dramatist gives no information as to the ages or birthdays of his characters. But one may suspect that Jocasta was born on a Wednesday. Wednesday's child meets with woe, which describes Jocasta's life as a result of arranging to kill her son, whom she years later marries.
What does the chorus say about Antigone's procession to the cave?
The chorus initially is moved to tears by Antigone's procession to the cave where she's to be walled in. The chorus admires her love for the dead, and her death that's due to bravery instead of sickness or wounds. The chorus particularly applauds her choice of death over life in the choice between obeying divine or mortal laws.At the same time, the chorus suggests that she's paying for the past incestuous, murderous offenses of her father, former Theban King Oedipus. The chorus likewise speaks of her ready temper and her uncontrolled passion. The two character flaws lead her to respect the gods, but disrespect mortal authority. In the chorus' opinion, disrespect of any authority be it divine or mortal is, and should be, punishable.
Who was Queen of Thebes in myth?
In Greek mythology, the Queen of Thebes was Jocasta. She was the wife of King Laius and later married her son Oedipus unknowingly. Jocasta tragically ended her own life upon discovering the truth.
Why does Oedipus marry Jocasta in 'Oedipus Rex'?
That the reward for defeating the monstrous Sphinx is marrying her is the reason why Oedipus marries Jocasta In "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Jocasta is the widowed Queen of Thebes. The city is being terrorized by the monstrous Sphinx. Marriage is the reward for solving the Sphinx's riddle of what life form moves around on fours in the morning, twos in the afternoon and threes in the evening of life.
Will Creon be punished by the gods in 'Antigone'?
Yes, Creon will be punished by the gods in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the chorus warns that nothing so vast such as the gods enters a human life without cause for alarm. They indicate by their references to other events in and stories about ancient Greece that the gods are not the friends of humans. They conclude that irreverence to the gods is the biggest mistake that a human can make. Creon can be accused of deliberate irreverence and indeed is being led away for sentencing in the near future.
Who are the characters and what do they do in 'Oedipus Rex'?
The chorus leader, the Corinthian messenger, the priest of Zeus and his suppliants, the royal family, Teiresiasand the Theban shepherd gather to inform the audience of the life and times of Oedipuswhilethe chorus entertains and explains through comments and songs in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the play deals with the rise and fall of Theban monarchs Jocasta, Laius and Oedipus. It does so through Oedipus' interactions with his citizenry and his brother-in-law Creon regarding a pestilence; with his consort Jocasta and his royal advisor Teiresias the blind prophet regarding his royal predecessor Laius' death; and with the Corinthian messenger and the Theban shepherd regarding his family background and his fate. Oedipus also interacts directly with the leader of the chorus, whose members entertain and instruct the audience with dances and explanatory songs.
