Oedipus - Write an analysis of the themes explored in Episode 2.

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Hagen Dittmer

English, Oedipus

Episode 2 - Write an analysis of the themes explored in Episode 2

Episode two focuses mainly on the accusations towards Oedipus placed by Creon. This is also our first encounter with Jocasta, Oedipus’ wife – she continually tries to quell Oedipus’ suspicions brought on by Creon and the prophet, and reassure him that the God’s have not pre-decided his destiny; that he is still free to ‘create’ his own future…

The initial theme explored in Episode 2 is really a continuation on from Episode 1 – that being the sparking of the suspicion that Oedipus could in some way be linked to the murder of his predecessor, King Laius. Through the use of Creon and the prophet Tiresias, Sophocles is able to create doubt in the characters minds (particularly Oedipus), and develop the constant sense of confusion, which enhances the adventure the audience is taken on to the eventual truth.

The audience however, already know of Oedipus’ fate/destiny, and that he long ago, unbeknownst to him, stumbled into it – Sophocles use Episode 2 to somewhat ‘moisten the appetite’ of the audience, creating suspense and thrill. This is a major theme in the sense that, with the help of Jocasta’s panicking and continual reassurances, it ignites Oedipus’ own suspicions about himself, starting his arduous downward spiral.

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Although the audience is well aware of Oedipus’ fate, Sophocles continues on using Jocasta as a tool to deny it. Through her constant reassurances to Oedipus, and disregard to the God’s claiming “so much for prophecy” - this blasphemous act shows just how much Jocasta is willing to defend her husband… her King – Sophocles uses her to confirm the audiences beliefs about Oedipus and how deeply involved he is with Laius’ murder. Episode 2 is effectively used as an ‘appetiser’ for the meal to come  - Sophocles makes the audience even keener to witness the revealing of Oedipus ...

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