Oedipus the King 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.

Knowing the background information about Sophocles really helped set up the play in my mind. I can imagine the audience being awed by his painted scenery. This fact made me realize that plays back then are a lot different than the movies we have today. Because the backdrops and props are not as high tech, people have to imagine things more. However, the fact that everyone knows the story also helps because the lack of these luxuries in the play allows people to visualize what they want or expect the story to look like. Because we are reading the play, the background information allows us to not only visualize the scene but we are able to pick out pieces of the play that we already understand. For example, because we were told in class about the story of Oedipus, it made following the book a lot easier. When Oedipus was talking to Jocasta, knowing that he was going to tell her that he killed Liais kept me on the edge of my seat. When he finally says "I am guilty" (937) it is kind of like finally taking a breath after holding it for a long time because you finally get the information. I wonder if the audience is like this too because this is how I get during every movie or book when I already know the ending.

Having this play at the festival for Dionysys allows me to see the tradition in this piece and how it is important to everyone in the community. It also allows me to understand that it was a religious event so the play is filled with references to Gods. The Chorus seems to end every scene with a passage that includes religion. For tonights reading it mentioned "Olympian Sky thier only father, nothing mortal, no man gave them birth, their memory deathless, never lost in sleep: within them lives a might god, the god does not grow old" (958).

Also knowing his life story is interesting too. I learned that he was born rich with slaves but had a lot of difficulties in his life that involved mistresses and prostitutes. This showed me his popularity but at the same time.... weren't playwrights not that rich/popular? Or was that a different time?

In one of the readings, it was mentioned that people were prevented from doing wrong because they respected laws and authorities. I thought this was interesting because it allows us to see how all negative actions are looked down upon. This is ironic because Oedipus has so much authority and power and yet he killed someone and has to live under that. This also shows how Creon arguing with Oedipus is out of line. Even if the things he said were right, the audience may first focus on the fact that he was disrespectful.