Essay About Idea Of A Rational Life And Oedipus Rex

Oedipus
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Oedipus Rex is a literary work that consists of the idea of a rational life. It insists
on presenting a statement saying that “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Oedipus
and Teiresias have an agreeable attitude towards this statement. Characters such as
Jocasta have a carefree attitude and an attitude that not necessarily agrees with this
statement.
A rational life seems like the one easier to live. One can live a rational life but it is
a lazy way to live. One can make himself a utilitarian or a nihilist and stick to one side,
but it is not every issue that can be categorized that way. The statement, “The
unexamined life is not worth living,” shows that life should be looked at deeply and it
should be explored. Some can live life without caring for much and the opinions and
decisions made.
Teiresias is a very knowledgeable character. He examined his life and knew a lot
about different experiences. At the end of the play Oedipus is the same way. He is a
knowledgeable person. He goes through many experiences and even though he blinds
himself at the end of the play, he does it not to see anyone and the wrong doing that is
happening. During his life he is confused at times and lives with many questions
unanswered. His life had missing pieces of puzzles that later he finds at the end of the
play. Oedipus is known for his great action and swift insight. Oedipus shows that he is
very brave. At the end of the play Oedipus is very mature as he wants to make peace with
himself.
Teiresias is a character in a play that no one believes in the beginning but trust
throughout. Teiresias is the one that tells Oedipus that he is the murderer but Oedipus
doesnt believe him. He tells Creon that hes bringing disaster upon Thebes but Creon
does not believe him either. Ironically, both of these characters trust Teiresias deeply.
Teiresias is the one that is comfortable and confident in whatever he says. Without others
believing him he knows he is right. Oedipus doesnt believe that he is the murderer, “Tell
me, come, tell me. When you plotted this, Seemed I a fool or a coward? Did you think I
should not see the crime so cunningly preparing, or could see and not prevent?” Oedipus
does not want to believe what Teiresias has told him. Creon and Oedipus refuse to
believe the truth that is told about them, which is the blindness they have.
Jocasta is a character that believes life should be lived randomly.
Fear? What should a man fear? Its all chance,
chance rules our lives. Not a man on earth can see
a day ahead, groping through the dark. Better to
live at random, best we can. And as for this
marriage with your mother–have no fear. Many a
man before you, in his dreams, has shared his
mothers bed. Take such things for shadows, nothing
at all– Live, Oedipus, as if theres no
tomorrow!
Jocasta treats incest in a lightness that will come back later to haunt her. Jocasta doesnt
realize that the things shes saying are foolish and wrong. She believes that Oedipus
should live his life as if there was no tomorrow. According to her, he should live his life
in the spur of the moment and not take things in life too seriously. Jocasta shows in the
quote that it is possible and acceptable for a man to marry his mother. Jocasta wants to
believe the oracle as it suits her. She only chooses what she wants to believe. Jocasta sees
that there is another revelation Oedipus will have to face and she tries to curb his fear.
One can conclude that Jocasta is manipulative and likes to avoid things. She tries to tell
Oedipus that life is random, which is swaying off the subject.
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