How does creon cheat oedipus expectations

The tyranny of his forefathers paved the way for his shining heroism, and set a high standard when it came to overall maliciousness. Zeus was clearly different from the moment of his birth. For the most part, he was well-respected, loved, and cherished. When he was angered, it was usually for good reason, and the people seemed to agree with his choice of punishment.

When [the characters] are finally forced to see the truth, we know that the gods have prevailed and that men must accept their own insignificance. In short, for Bowra, the essence of each play of Sophocles is a message urging humility and piety Religion claims to be good in nature. However, in this situation it was used for population control. Richard was born a King, and knows no life other than that of royalty.

Unfortunately the lesson that must know men to rule them costs him the thrown. Richard's lesson influences his usurper and his usurper's heir to the thrown, demonstrating to them both the value of humility. After exiling Henry, Richard takes the opportunity to criticize his "courtship to the common people.

Open Document. Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. Social Expectations in Oedipus the King It is made clear that the citizens of Thebes were religious and had a deep reliance on the gods. It was expected socially, that the citizens of Thebes recognized the gods power, and so for Jocasta to refer to the prophecies as "hollow" would not have been generally accepted behaviour.

The priest is an elderly and religious man, something we realise is well respected in Thebes as Oedipus who is king, speaks with the priest on an equal level.

The elderly were considered to be wise and therefore socially it would be expected that even the king should be polite to them. Your years, your dignity Oedipus is not living up to his social expectations here, signifying he is fast approaching his downfall.

Oedipus is seen to have double standards with regards to the idea of murder. He is aware that he has killed someone, yet to hear that King Laius was killed, he seems appalled, " What reasons did Jocasta give for not having faith in the prophecy? She knew her baby was killed. In terms of their approach to destiny, what do Jocasta and Oedipus have in common? They both tried to outsmart the gods and escape their destiny and both thought they did.

Skip to content What is the relationship between Oedipus and Creon? Why does Oedipus not like Creon? Is Creon good or bad? Are Creon intentions good or bad? They are good and bad. How does Creon argue innocence? What happened to Creon at the end of the play? What happens as a result of Oedipus charges against Creon? What does Jocasta convince Oedipus to do to Creon?

What character trait of Oedipus is revealed by the fact that Oedipus accuses Creon of treason without first hearing his side? Who was Queen Jocasta? Why was Creon a bad leader? Why is Creon angry? What happens after Creon becomes king? Is Creon a just king? Angering the gods. What is Tiresias reaction to Oedipus plea for help? How does Oedipus feel about Tiresias behavior? Why does he think Tiresias has a special responsibility to help the city?

What terrible thing does Oedipus accuse Tiresias of doing? How does he further insult the seer? Goaded into anger by Oedipus, what does Tiresias tell him? What is Oedipus reaction to Tiresias revelations? What alternative ways does he explain why Tiresias would make them? What previous situation does Oedipus criticize Tiresias for failing to help? How does Oedipus say he solved the problem as opposed to how Tiresias would have? How does the information about this previous situation allow for one of the unities of Greek theater?

What is the chorus opinion of this exchange between Oedipus and Tiresias? In what ways is Oedipus blind or will he be blind according to Tiresias? Why does Tiresias say that Oedipus, of all people, should understand his riddles? What does the chorus think will happen to the killer of Laius?

Although there is confusion about which one to believe, Tiresias or Oedipus, whom does the chorus support? Why has Creon come to confront Oedipus? How does the chorus defend Oedipus against Creon s anger? What does Oedipus accuse Creon of doing? On what does Oedipus base this accusation? What arguments does Creon use to defend himself? What does the chorus suggest to Oedipus? What is Oedipus answer to the chorus? What does he plan to do?

In what way does Creon s behavior contrast with Oedipus? Why does Jocasta believe Oedipus and Creon should be ashamed of themselves? What does Creon say that persuades Jocasta to urge Oedipus to believe him?

How does Oedipus characterize what the chorus is asking of him? Why does Oedipus decide to let Creon go? What advice does the chorus give Jocasta when she inquires about the details of the argument between her husband and brother? Does Jocasta follow the advice? Do you find anything unusual about Jocasta s initial reaction when Oedipus reveals the accusation against him?

What is Jocasta s opinion of soothsayers? On what does she base this opinion? What details that Jocasta reveals of Laius death trouble Oedipus? What is the symbolism of the location of Laius death. After questioning Jocasta about the details of Laius death, what does Oedipus suspect? Why is this a significant moment in the play? What happened to the servant who survived the attack on Laius? What does Oedipus relate about his past to explain his fears? Why did Oedipus kill the men at the crossroads?

What is similar about why Laius attempted to kill his child, and why Oedipus fled Corinth? What does each action tell you about his belief in fate or free will?

At this point in the play, what aspect of the prophecy does Oedipus not yet suspect that he is fulfilling? How has Oedipus cursed himself? What does he prefer to this doom? How will Oedipus determine if he was the man who killed Laius? What opinion does the chorus express? What does Jocasta insist? According to the chorus, what should be the consequences when an individual does not fear justice or properly revere the gods?

What concerns does the chorus have about the current state of religious belief? How do these concerns relate to Oedipus and Jocasta? Why is Jocasta praying? What does she want? What news does the messenger bring?

How does Jocasta interpret this news? How does Oedipus react to the news of Polybus death? What does he fear? How does Jocasta respond to Oedipus fear? What does Jocasta say that relates to Freud s ideas of the Oedipus complex? Explain the irony of the metaphor, Surely your father s tomb is also a bright sign?

What information does the messenger give Oedipus to put an end to his dread of the oracle? How does this man know the truth? What is the meaning of Oedipus name? Why is this information significant? Why is Oedipus excited by the messenger s information? Who does he insist on questioning? What is Jocasta s reaction to this new information from the messenger?

Why does she react in this way? How does the new information come into conflict with Jocasta s previously expressed beliefs?

How does Oedipus interpret Jocasta s behavior? What is the chorus response to Jocasta s wild grief? How does the messenger s information change the central question in the play? What does Oedipus mean when he declares himself the child of Chance? Why is this an example of dramatic irony? What behaviors has Sophocles presented as evil and dreadful? To heighten the suspense and create a distraction before the final climax, the Greek playwrights often included brief songs. What false hope is the chorus creating?

How is the shepherd identified when he arrives? How does the shepherd react when the messenger identifies Oedipus as the child they exchanged? How does Oedipus coerce the shepherd to speak against his will? The shepherd urges Oedipus not to inquire further about the truth.

Who else has urged the same of Oedipus earlier in the play? How did the shepherd receive the child and why? Why did the shepherd not do as he was told? Explain the various reasons why the shepherd is experiencing so much despair. During the dialogue between Oedipus and the shepherd, what happens to their lines as they get closer and closer to the revelation of the truth?

What is the tone of the chorus now? What is the contrast between Antistrophe 1 and Strophe 2? Explain the chorus statement, All-seeing time discovered you unwilling. Why is this concept central to the play? What is the public s attitude expressed by the chorus toward Oedipus?

How do you feel about Oedipus? Do you see him as a victim of a cruel fate or as a man who was at least partly to blame for his own sorrow? Without changing scenes, how do we learn of all the action that occurred in the castle? How does allow for one of the three unities of Greek theater? What two self-chosen pains does the servant describe? What do you think Oedipus was trying to do when he found Jocasta? Explain what the servant means by the statement, some god led him on.

What does the servant report Oedipus says to explain the terrible deed he performs? According to the servant, what does Oedipus lack that prevents him from exiling himself? How does the chorus react when they see Oedipus? In response to the chorus, what god does Oedipus say is involved with his sorrows?

Where did this god s influence end? Oedipus believes the gods hate him more than any other man. Does anything justify their hatred? Why do you think Oedipus has been chosen to live out such a terrible fate? Why does Oedipus wish the shepherd dead? According to Oedipus, why did he blind himself and not take his own life? Why will no disease kill him? Why does Creon want Oedipus taken into the house? How does Creon cheat Oedipus expectations?

Why must Oedipus seek Creon s permission to go into exile? Why does Creon not grant it immediately? Besides exile, what else does Oedipus ask of Creon? Why is Oedipus concerned about his daughters futures and not his sons? When Oedipus protests Creon s request that he let go of his daughters, how does Creon respond?

Explain how the relationship between Creon and Oedipus has been altered in the course of the play How does Creon treat Oedipus in this final section? According to the chorus when is the only appropriate time to call a man blessed?

What is the meaning of the term catharsis? Do you feel at the completion of the play that you have experienced a catharsis? In what way is Oedipus heroic? At the completion of the play, what do you feel some of its themes are? Do you think Oedipus has a tragic flaw, as a classic Greek tragic hero?

If so, what is it? Are there any other potential tragic flaws besides the one you ve chosen? Rachel Lauve Dr. Greek Theater History Notes All drama originates from Ancient Greece where groups of people worshiped the god Dionysus by singing and dancing together. Soon, this religious ritual became formalized into. Romeo and Juliet Questions Prologue 1.

What is the purpose of the Prologue? What events does the Prologue foreshadow? What is the name of the poetic form which Shakespeare uses for the Prologue? As you read act 1, focus on Hamlet s developing relationships with the characters listed below.

In each box state.