Oedipus Journal #1

Since Oedipus is a play, there is not a definite point of view. The reader and audience learn about different characters as they speak in the play. The reader does not learn of the thoughts a character may have, unless they speak of them in their lines. However, the play primarily focuses on Oedipus, being that he is the main character, so the reader and the audience learn the most about him and his thoughts. Oedipus is a highly respected king in this play. He likes to think of himself as equivalent to the gods. It shows this on page 171, "You pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers". This shows how he thinks that he is suitable to grant prayers, and has the capability to do so. It also shows how he tries to convince the people of Thebes that he is of god status. On pages 176 - 185, Sophocles gives the audience a disagreement between two strong characters. During this disagreement, Oedipus first appears to the reader as a furious, and determined man. Tiresias appears as a calm, but persistent being. Depending on the side one takes on this situation between the two characters, can ultimately play a role in which characters are liked, and which are not.