What are the psychological perspectives in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Answer 1

A psychological perspective gives readers and viewers insight into the minds of the characters. The psychological perspectives in 'Oedipus Rex' therefore relate to the thoughts of Theban King Oedipus, Theban Queen Jocasta, Teiresias the blind prophet, subsequent Theban King Creon, and the chorus.

So readers and viewers are privy to the dawning horror of Oedipus and Jocasta in the gradual knowledge of the murderous, incestuous path that brings them to their previously happy marriage and parenthood. Readers and viewers also are privy to the reluctance of Teiresias to remove the appearance of decency from indecent relationships. They too are privy to the superficial struggle of Creon over the why and why not of grabbing royal power for himself alone.

And throughout the play, readers and viewers are privy to the weariness of the chorus over the state of things Theban. The chorus just wants to get through this latest set of woes and be ready for the next set of disappointments. As the play concludes, the chorus well knows that a mortal's fortune begins only with death. Until then, life means ducking the boomerangs of the gods and of other mortals.