Oedipus The King Jocasta Essay

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Recommended: The role of the gods in Oedipus the king

The Greek gods were believed to be invincible, all-knowing, and influential in people’s everyday lives, and it was thought that the gods would wreak havoc in the lives of those who did not obey. These beliefs coincide with an overall theme of Oedipus The King, which is to show reverence and fear towards the Greek gods. Initially, Jocasta is prideful towards the oracles and their validity, but her words and actions mask a lack of confidence; once her prophecy comes true, she becomes extremely regretful and respectful towards the oracles demonstrating an awareness of her own weakness.
Jocasta is an embodiment of this theme, due to the fact that she did not respect the power of the gods and believes she has escaped her prophecy; although she becomes regretful …show more content…

As the queen of Thebes, she must show a façade of strength to reassure the city, and herself, in the midst of hardships that all will be well. After being told, by Tiresias, that Oedipus is the murderer, Jocasta, keeping a strong composure, chimes in telling Oedipus, “There is no art of seership known to man (Oedipus. Second Episode. Choral Dialogue. Antistrophe 2)”. By showing disrespect to the gods to prove her self-confidence, Jocasta assures Oedipus his fear is misplaced due to the fact that her prophecy did not come true and neither would his. Disrespecting seers and Apollo, the queen continues the pattern, “So there! Apollo fails to make the son his father’s murderer, and the father murdered by his son. All forseen by fate and seers, of course, and all to be forgotten (Oedipus. Second Episode. Choral Dialogue. Antistrophe 2)”. By flaunting her power in evading what was forseen by fate and seers Jocasta

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