The role of the gods is very prominent throughout this section and the rest of the play. They are always present and are prayed to for every problem. Jocasta prays to Apollo to take pity and help Oedipus. She is beside herself and when mortals are helpless and don't know what to do, they pray to the gods for support and help. The gods have power that they can use for both good and evil. In order to stay in their favor, mortals must sacrifice offerings and pray to them for help. The gods are jealous and don't like to be ignored or put down. The connection between mortals and the gods suggest how low the people actually are and how utterly helpless they are without the help of the gods.
Sophocles uses metaphors to help the reader understand the play and deeper meanings of the play better and to also allow the reader to connect with the plot. The symbols are used to help the reader to identify the themes and the important pieces to the play. They provide a deeper understanding of the play.
The characters believe that the gods have the ultimate say in life and can change circumstances for better or for worse. They believe that the gods are very powerful and much more capable of doing the right things and making the right choices. The people pray to the gods for wisdom, and all the other virtues.
Good job on analyzing the question! The role of the gods seems to be well expressed to me. Their role as jealous and angry at times seems to be a main part of their role as mankind's masters. The use of metaphors is also evident in Sophocles' writing. Great job Athanasia!
ReplyDeleteGreat response to the journal question! The use of metaphors in Oedipus is very evidently used to show the gods' power over humanity. This also accents the difference and powerlessness of humans when juxtaposed with the gods. Awesome job Athanasia!
ReplyDeleteI like how you not only described what the significance of the gods was but how Sophicles developed that idea (metaphors adn literary techniques). I also noticed that you awnsered both questions to a certain extent by serperating how Jocasta prayed to the gods.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I agree with you too Ben. I believe the way that the gods are jealous and angry at times definately shows their power over humankind. The people fear that if they do anything wrong against the gods, they will be punished for it. That is probably why the chorus is always praying to the gods, and hardly to Oedipus. They pray to the all powerful, fearing that if they don't, they will be punished by the gods.
ReplyDelete