Essays on Jocasta

Do audiences experience fear and pity in tragedies because of the works' shared themes of fate or as Freud hypothesised, because other factors are at work to evoke a tragic response? Sigmund Freud's hypothesis boldly disregards the idea that tragedies powerfully affect their audience because of their strong emphasis on fatalism and the futility of human will (Greek Drama Handout, 51-52). He opines that, for example, in Oedipus Rex, the effects are rooted in the raw aspects of the plot,…

Oedipus Rex is among the Greek tragedies that still draw interest from modern audiences. The play explores numerous themes, including Oedipus’ quest for identity, the nature of innocence and guilt, blindness and sight, and the abuse of power, however, the divisive question of whether humans enjoy free will or if they are victims of fate is the most powerful and fascinating theme discussed in the play. The author, Sophocles, successfully distinguishes how fate and free will affect human life choices.…

Sophocles, in his timeless work 'Oedipus the King,' unfolds a tragic narrative in the city of Thebes, marked by grief and the unraveling mystery of Oedipus's true identity. Amidst the intricate plot, Jocasta, Oedipus's wife and the queen of Thebes, emerges as a central character whose skepticism and philosophical outlook play a crucial role in the unfolding tragedy. This essay delves into Jocasta's character, examining the implications of her skepticism, her philosophy, and the tragic consequences that befall her. The…