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Irreverence In Oedipus The King

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During the time of Sophocles's prosperity, (490-410 BC), the gods and goddesses were often highly respected by the people there. They were believed to control all aspects of life. These gods, they believed, held the power to decide one’s fate. Sophocles wrote many tragedies in his life showcasing their power to the greatest extent. One of the most highly regarded is, “Oedipus the King”. In this tragedy, the people of Thebes are experiencing a dark time and call on their king for help. Oedipus, a man once believing to have changed the fate he was given by Apollo, turns to Apollo begging for a solution to his kingdom’s misery, “ I sent Creon, Menoeceus’ son, my own wife’s brother, to Apollo’s shrine at Delphi, with commission to enquire what I can say or do to save this town”(Oedipus, 69-72). The response he shortly receives does not please him or his wife , Jocasta, leading to the king and queen of …show more content…

Every character shows a deep regard and respect for the gods, especially as they reach their grayest period of time. They pray and give sacrifices showing their desperation for some help from them. The irreverence comes from the ruling family of this kingdom in need of savior. Not only denying the god’s words, but trying to prove the gods wrong, proved they were worthy of punishment. This punishment given to the family is in the form of grief that lead to the tragic endings of Laius and Jocasta and the blinding of Oedipus. The gods controlled everything that happened to the people here. They decided all fates long ago and these fates, no matter what, were promised to take play. The immortals were much stronger than them. This story teaches one that mortals must have realized that their fate was set. They were given a destiny to live out. They cannot change the destiny given to you, therefore they must learn to accept

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