"Apollo pressed it on us- he should name the killer."
"[Apollo] sent his answer back: '...Uncover the murderers of Laius, put them to death or drive them into exile.'"
"Apollo, my friends, Apollo- he ordained my agonies"
"Apollo was explicit: my son was doomed to kill my husband"
Apollo is the god who ordains it fate that Oedipus will kill Laius and marry Jocasta. Through the play he plays the role of the patron god and as a symbol of fate. His will conflicts with Oedipus, who represents chance since he belives he can avoid his destiny. The theme of chance vs. fate is an important one of both the play and the time period. Apollo dictates what will happen during the play, and by trying to defeat his fate Oedipus seals it. This irony makes the fall of the hero even more tragic, as his own drive brings about his downfall. If he hadn't been so fearful of betrayal and so determined to bring justice and glory he wouldn't have suffered his fate.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment