Great Books Ep 70. Sophocles - Oedipus at Colonus. From Exile to Ascension.
Even if you have a life of hardship and even if everyone around you abandons you, you could still ascend to greatness in the end.
“But when we had gone apart, after no long time we looked back, and Oedipus we saw- nowhere any more, but the king alone, holding his hand before his face to screen his eyes, as if some dread sight had been seen, and such as none might endure to behold.”
~ ‘Oedipus at Colonus’ by Sophocles (Richard. C. Jebb translation. p129)
Re-write of the post - 7/3/2024
Brief Summary:
The play opens with the blind, elderly Oedipus and his daughter Antigone arriving at a sacred grove near Athens. A stranger comes in and tells them that they’re on the sacred ground dedicated to the Eumenides (Furies). Oedipus asks to see the king, Theseus and the stranger leaves. The local elders (Chorus) come in and ask Oedipus to sit in a corner. After getting to know about his cursed past, they want him to leave but Oedipus questions Athens’ reputation for hospitality.
Oedipus’s other daughter, Ismene, arrives with news of conflict between his sons in Thebes and a prophecy about Oedipus’s burial place bringing fortune to the land that holds it. Oedipus is upset and angry that people are going to be seeking him to get the throne and not because they care for him. The Chorus suggests that Oedipus make atonement to Eumenides and give instructions on the ritual. Since he is blind, Isemene performs the ritual and leaves.
Theseus, the king of Athens, arrives. He is sympathetic to Oedipus and offers him support and protection. He accepts Oedipus as a citizen of Athens and offers him the option of staying where he is or going to his home. Oedipus decides to stay at the grove.
Creon comes in, initially asking Oedipus nicely but then getting into an argument. He attempts to take Oedipus back forcibly, kidnapping his daughters. Theseus rescues them and chastises Creon.
Oedipus’ son Polyneices arrives, seeking his blessing for his attack on Thebes. Oedipus curses both his sons to kill each other in battle. As Polyneices leaves, he asks his sisters for a proper burial if he dies.
Divine signs (thunder and lightning) signal Oedipus’ impending death. He leads Theseus to a secret location where he will die. A messenger reports Oedipus’ mysterious disappearance, implying a divine departure.
The play ends with Antigone and Ismene mourning their father and requesting to return to Thebes to stop the conflict between their brothers. Theseus agrees to help them and vows to honor Oedipus’ final wishes.
My thoughts:
The most striking thing for me was Oedipus vanishing into thin air! That was totally unexpected. As someone who had never heard or read about this part of Oedipus’ story, it was a twist that was surprising. From the moment of his birth, Oedipus was burdened with a curse that followed him throughout his life. He endured a lot of hardships, but in his final moments, he had gods by his side. The entire society who hailed him as a hero abandoned him. Even people close to him - his brother-in-law Creon and his sons Eteocles and Polyneices abandoned him. But he got redemption in the end because he was not evil from the beginning. He always did what he thought was right. He atoned for his sins, though he committed them without knowledge. I thought there were a lot of themes common with Christianity here to ponder about. One takeaway is that even if you have a life of hardship and everyone around you abandons you, you can still emerge victorious in the end. With the act of vanishing, Oedipus’ legacy becomes someone with a divine ending and not all the things that happened in his life.
Tales of disappearance appear in many places in mythology, literature and historical accounts across different cultures around the world. Death is inevitable for all living things on earth, but there are some who defy death, like Elijah, who was taken up into the heavens in a whirlwind. Even thinking about it is exhilarating. I wonder if any accounts of non-humans (say cats, dogs, horses, cows) disappearing like this exist. Also, the sudden disappearance of a person, even if it is not a supernatural event, causes everyone to reevaluate the importance of the person. It could even be someone suddenly passing. Sometimes, we understand a person better after they pass away. If the passing away is dramatic - an accident, a mistake or some rogue event, it adds to the mystique around the person. Everyone tries to find a reason, a root cause of why it happened. If the person is famous, myths get created because so many more people are thinking about the event.
I sometimes wonder if a lot of people are thinking about the same thing, will there be a convergence of ideas or divergence in case they don’t get to talk to each other? I think everyone’s brains are different, and little dissimilarities cause myriads of differing thoughts and ideas. Even people from the same culture or the same families could have differing ideas. The hive mind comes into play only when people interact with each other. Even when they do, someone is always influencing someone else. The people who are able to influence others the most, probably will have their ideas take root in others.
Recently, I wrote this comment on one of the posts - One of the most under-recognized issues with life is how someone’s words could twist our minds. Once you hear a wrong gossip or when someone puts an idea into your mind, it is not easy to get away from it, especially when it comes to the opinion of someone’s character. It grows uncontrolled in the mind, taking over sleep and moments of quietude. I’m reminded of this quote from the movie Inception - “The most resilient parasite is an idea ... Once an idea has taken hold of the brain, it's almost impossible to eradicate.”
The truth is that people are swayed by stories. Once you immerse yourself in a story, you believe it fully without questioning its origin or reevaluating the nature of the truth behind it. It is comfortable to believe and be at ease rather than second-guess one’s beliefs. But a time comes when the sound from the inner voice that you suppressed cannot be kept down, and then you begin to ask discerning questions.
AI Chatbot Response
Instead of two chatbots, I’ll just use one to keep the post length small. Also trying out a more descriptive prompt.
I'm currently reading Sophocles' play "Oedipus at Colonus". I've provided a brief summary and my initial thoughts below. Based on this information, please:
1. Can you expand on my thoughts on the myth of people disappearing instead of dying with examples from historical books and incidents?
2. Offer a deeper analysis of the play's themes, and symbolism.
3. Suggest some thought-provoking questions that this play raises for modern readers.
Brief Summary: <copy paste>
My Thoughts: <copy paste>
Gemini’s Response
Absolutely! Here are some insights, analysis, and questions that build on your thoughtful reading of "Oedipus at Colonus":
Expanding on Vanishing Myths:
Your observation about the power of disappearances is insightful. Across cultures and time, the sudden vanishing of individuals has captivated imaginations and fueled myths. Here are a few examples beyond the biblical Elijah:
King Arthur: In Arthurian legend, the wounded King Arthur is said to have been taken to the mystical isle of Avalon to heal, with the promise of one day returning. This disappearance has inspired countless interpretations and artistic representations.
The Roanoke Colony: The entire English settlement on Roanoke Island vanished without a trace in the late 16th century. The mystery of their fate remains unsolved, giving rise to theories of assimilation with Native American tribes, abduction, or supernatural events.
Ambrose Bierce: The American author vanished in Mexico in 1913 while covering the Mexican Revolution. His disappearance remains unexplained, adding to his enigmatic persona and the themes of his dark and often cynical writing.
Amelia Earhart: The famed aviator disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Her disappearance remains one of the most enduring aviation mysteries, with theories ranging from mechanical failure to capture by the Japanese.
While these examples focus on humans, the disappearance of animals can also be significant within folklore and local stories. Consider the tales of phantom horses or lost pets that reappear years later, often imbued with symbolic meaning about loyalty, love, or the enduring bond between humans and animals.
Deeper Analysis of "Oedipus at Colonus":
Redemption and Acceptance: Oedipus's vanishing is not just a dramatic ending; it's a symbol of his final acceptance and redemption. By disappearing into the earth, he becomes one with the sacred grove, fulfilling the prophecy and offering a blessing to Athens. This ending contrasts with the tragic conclusion of "Oedipus Rex," suggesting that even the most cursed life can find a path towards spiritual resolution.
The Power of Words and Ideas: Your thoughts about the impact of stories and the "resilience of ideas" connect directly to the play. Oedipus's life is shaped by a prophecy, the words of an oracle. The play reminds us how narratives can mold our identities and influence our actions. Even in the face of overwhelming adversity, the power of words to shape our understanding of the world remains potent.
Divine Justice vs. Human Understanding: The play juxtaposes the divine world with human limitations. Oedipus's crimes were committed in ignorance, driven by fate. His final disappearance, orchestrated by the gods, transcends human notions of justice. This challenges us to question the limits of our understanding and acknowledge the existence of forces beyond our control.
Thought-Provoking Questions for Modern Readers:
How do disappearances, both real and fictional, shape our understanding of mortality and the afterlife?
In what ways does the play's ending challenge or affirm your beliefs about redemption and forgiveness?
How does "Oedipus at Colonus" comment on the relationship between individual actions and the forces of fate?
Can you think of modern examples where the power of words or stories has shaped individual lives or societal events?
In a world often focused on individual achievement, what does the play suggest about the importance of community and acceptance?
I hope this expanded analysis and set of questions further enriches your engagement with "Oedipus at Colonus"!
Detailed Summary:
Page 1 ( Lines 1-71):
The play begins with An elderly Oedipus and his daughter Antigone arriving at a sacred grove and Oedipus wondering where they are.
Antigone looks around and says that they are near Athens. As she is describing the place, a stranger arrives and and tells them that they’re on sacred ground that shouldn’t be trodden upon.
The place is dedicated to Eumenides, the daughters of Earth and Darkness. (From reading Aeschylus’ Eumenides, we know that they are the Furies, the goddesses of vengeance.) He also mentions that the area is sacred to Poseidon and Prometheus.
The stranger says that the king of the place and surrounding is Theseus. Oedipus asks to see Theseus.
Page 2 (Lines 72 - 193):
The stranger leaves, and Oedipus prays to the gods asking for their grace since he believes that he found the prophesied final resting place.
A group of elders (chorus) enters and asks Oedipus to move away from the sacred place and sit in a corner. Then they ask him about his origins.
Page 3 (Lines 194 - 305):
After Oedipus tells his story, they are alarmed and want this cursed person to leave their land as soon as possible.
Antigone appeals to the Chorus for compassion, emphasizing that her father’s crimes were unintentional.
Oedipus also says that his crimes were fated and not done by him, and he questions the value of Athens’ reputation for hospitality if they reject him.
Page 4 (Lines 305 - 409):
Ismene (Oedipus’ second daughter) arrives and Oedipus and Antigone are overjoyed to see her.
Ismene tells them about the conflict between Oedipus' sons, Eteocles and Polyneices. She says Eteocles has seized the throne, expelling Polyneices.
She says that an Oracle has told Creon that if Oedipus is in Thebes (regardless of alive or dead), they will have victory. The people of Thebes want Oedipus near their land but not within their borders since they think he is cursed.
Page 5 (Lines 410 - 512):
Oedipus is upset and angry that people are going to be seeking him to get the throne and not because they care for him.
Looks like after Oedipus had exiled himself after his mother/wife’s death and his blindness, he wanted to go back and at that time, the city exiled him and his sons did not help. Oedipus declares that he will never help Thebes or his sons.
The Chorus suggests that Oedipus make atonement to Eumenides and give instructions on the ritual. Since he is blind, Isemene performs the ritual and leaves.
Page 6 (Lines 513 - 603):
Oedipus goes into detail about his past as the chorus is eager to know more.
Theseus, the king of Athens, arrives. He is sympathetic to Oedipus and offers him support and protection.
Oedipus thanks him and says that the city will benefit even after he is dead. He says that his sons had refused him when he was willing to return and now will come to seek his help to get the throne.
Page 7 (Lines 604 - 722):
Oedipus prophesies that Athens will benefit from him being buried there. Theseus accepts Oedipus as a citizen of Athens and offers him the option of staying where he is or come to his home.
Oedipus decides to stay at the grove. Theseus leaves and the chorus sings praises of Colonus and Athens.
Page 8 (Lines 723 - 828):
Creon arrives and appeals to Oedipus to return to Thebes, citing kinship and pity. Oedipus rejects him outright.
They exchange sharp words. Creon says they have already taken Isemene and orders his guards to seize Antigone. Oedipus is shocked. The chorus demands Creon to leave.
Page 9 (Lines 829 - 919):
As Antigone is dragged away, Creon threatens to take Oedipus also captive.
Theseus arrives and immediately takes action, sending men to rescue the daughters. He criticizes Creon for disrespecting Athens and its laws.
Page 10 (Lines 920 - 1040):
Creon says he didn’t think that Athens was providing refuge to Oedipus. He says Oedipus is cursed by the gods and no one would give him refuge.
Oedipus says that everything in his life was fated by the gods and his crimes committed in ignorance. But Creon’s crimes are not so.
Theseus stands by his word to protect Oedipus and orders Creon to return the maidens.
Page 11 (Lines 1040 - 1163):
Theseus leaves with Creon and returns with Antigone and Ismene.
Oedipus is overjoyed to see his daughters back and thanks Theseus and praises him.
During this time, they are informed of a new suppliant at Poseidon’s altar.
Page 12 (Lines 1164 - 1281):
The new suppliant is Polyneices, Oedipus’s son, who is reluctant to come to Oedipus, knowing that his father doesn’t want to see him.
Antigone urges Oedipus to meet with Polyneices, emphasizing forgiveness and duty.
Oedipus agrees and Polyneices comes in laments his family’s fate, says sorry for his past faults and asks for mercy.
Page 13 (Lines 1281 - 1409):
Polyneices explains how he was exiled by his brother and how the plans to attack Thebes with the support of Argos and talks about the great warriors on his side. He says he can win the battle with Oedipus’s blessing.
Oedipus curses Polyneices, saying he will never conquer Thebes. He prophesies that he will get killed by his brother and vice versa.
The chorus asks Polyneices, and he starts to leave in sadness, lamenting his failure and thinking about the doom that awaits him.
Page 14 (Lines 1409 - 1515):
As he leaves, Polyneices asks his sisters to give him a proper burial. Antigone begs him to abandon the plans to attack Thebes, but Polyneices says honor is above life and leaves.
Everyone hears thunder and sees lightning, and Oedipus says that his time has come and asks to summon Theseus.
Page 15 (Lines 1516 - 1634):
Oedipus tells Theseus that the location of his death has to be kept a secret.
They all leave and a messenger comes back to tell the audience that Oedipus has died and gives details about his final moments. He says Oedipus prepared for his death by washing and dressing, then comforted his daughters. A god’s voice was heard - “Oedipus, Oedipus, why delay we to go? Thou tarriest too long."
Page 16 (Lines 1634 - 1779):
The messenger continues recounting the final moments. After Oedipus asks Theseus to swear to protect his daughters, he bids a tearful farewell to his daughters.
The messenger says that Oedipus vanished mysteriously, and when they looked back, they saw only the king.
The daughters mourn their father’s death. Antigone asks to see Oedipus’ tomb, but Theseus refuses. The sisters then ask to be sent back to Thebes, and Theseus agrees.