Oedipus #2

The background information that we learned about is very helpful while reading the play. It helps with the visualization of the play itself, such as, the chorus and the three main characters. Also, the knowledge that the scenery was just being added at this time allows for a good image of backdrops and objects being used to help with the feeling of the setting.

For example, the cue says, "Enter JOCASTA from the palace". This cue is helpful because in class we learned that there was being to be painted scenery and all woman were played by men. These facts help me picture the play.

Sophocles also increased the complexity of the plots and characters. This is a sign that something big will probably happen because with that kowledge, we know that the plot is not going to be straight forward.

I've been tracking the motif and recurrence of rumors and how they affect the characters and I found this quote intruiging; "Loose, ignorant talk started dark suspicious / and a sense of injustice cut deeply too". This quote also adds to the idea of a complex plot. From this, the reader can conclude that something important will happen. We can conclude that there might be something deeper going on with the story that just what seems apparent.

Also, because Dionysus is the God of the life cycle and vegetation, the reader sees aspects of this throughout the play; "My baby / no more murdered his father than Laius suffered- / his wildest fear - death at his own son's hands". This shows the life cycle. Marriage and having children are each a part of life. Even though this quote is not a happy quote about family relationships, it still gets the job done in making the connection.