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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.

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Q: Why are Oedipus and Jocasta punished in 'Oedipus Rex'?
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Related questions

Who is jocasta in Oedipus Rex?

Jocasta is Oedipus' mother and wife and queen of Thebes.


When the play Oedipus rex begins does Oedipus marry jocasta?

no


Which of the following happens last in Oedipus Rex?

Oedipus marries Jocasta.


What is the name of Oedipus' wife in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Jocasta is the name of Oedipus' wife in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus is married to the Theban Queen. His wife's name is Jocasta. She is his first and only wife, but Oedipus is Jocasta's second husband.


What does Oedipus do when he finds Jocasta dead in 'Oedipus Rex'?

He puts out his own eyes.


Who assures Oedipus Rex that prophecies can be wrong?

Jocasta


Who are the main characters in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Oedipus, Jocasta, Teiresias, and Creon are the main characters in 'Oedipus Rex'. Theban King Oedipus is the husband and son of Theban Queen Jocasta. Subsequent Theban King Creon is Jocasta's brother, and the brother-in-law and uncle of Oedipus. Teiresias is a blind prophet.


Is Jocasta wiser than Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex'?

No, Jocasta is not wiser than Oedipus in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, neither Theban Queen Jocasta nor King Oedipus is wise. Jocasta just knows when to keep quiet and to stop a fight from beginning or escalating. Otherwise, she tends towards avoidance and escapism whereas Oedipus is confrontational and reactive.


Why is Oedipus the only main character who was alone in 'Oedipus Rex'?

But Oedipus is not alone in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus is married with children. His wife is Queen Jocasta. King Laius is Jocasta's first husband.


Who is Antigone's mother?

Antigone's mother was Jocasta, wife of Oedipus, who was Antigone's father. The play Oedipus Rex, in which Antigone is a non-speaking character, describes the relationship of Jocasta and Oedipus - unbeknownst to them, Jocasta was actually Oedipus' mother in addition to his wife. When they learn this, Jocasta kills herself and Oedipus blinds himself.


Who is Antigone's mother?

Antigone's mother was Jocasta, wife of Oedipus, who was Antigone's father. The play Oedipus Rex, in which Antigone is a non-speaking character, describes the relationship of Jocasta and Oedipus - unbeknownst to them, Jocasta was actually Oedipus' mother in addition to his wife. When they learn this, Jocasta kills herself and Oedipus blinds himself.


Is Jocasta and Creon brother and sister in Oedipus Rex?

no they are married originally