Oepdipus Journal #3

Themes and ideas

In this part of the book, Oedipus realizes that Apollo's prophecy has come true. He finds out that he murdered his father and married his mother. In this part of the book there are a lot of motifs and themes. In this part of the book, Oedipus is also portrayed differently.

Oedipus went from the majestic king in the first part of the play to someone who is not in his right mind: "Oedipus is beside himself. Racked with anguish, no longer a man of sense,..." (1001-1002). Oedipus is tortured by not knowing the end of the prophecy.

Religion is still playing a big part in the play. The characters constantly refer to Apollo and the other Greek gods. The gods have a really big influence over the characters. Oedipus and Jocasta were both afraid of Apollo's prophecy, so they both tried to escape it in different ways. Jocasta tried to kill her son, and Oedipus tried to avoid his parents.

There is also a theme of suffering and illness throughout the book. Jocasta is suffering: "My suffering is enough" (1165). Oedipus also suffers from not knowing about the prophecy. Throughout th ebook, suffering and illness is emphasized. Jocasta also calls him a "man of agony" (1178). This quote again shows suffering.