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Oedipus the King - Coggle Diagram

- - - - Patriarchy
        
        Women were expected to be obedient and submissive to male authority figures, particularly their husbands. This reflects the patriarchal nature of ancient Greek society. While Jocasta does have presence and respect with her husband, she still adheres to these traditional gender roles.
        
        The role of motherhood was highly regarded, and women were expected to be nurturing and protective of their children. The emphasis on motherhood aligned with the social value placed on procreation in ancient Greece, as the city-state relied on a growing population to maintain its strength. It is worth noting the way Oedipus treats his daughters Ismene and Antigone compared to Jocasta’s treatment of her son, participating in the maiming and attempted infanticide of her son in order to protect the life of her husband Laius.
        
        Women had limited agency and decision-making power in the public sphere. They often acted within the boundaries set by male authority figures. Jocasta’s efforts to dissuade Oedipus from seeking the truth highlight the constraints on her agency.
        
        The play underscores the tragic consequences that can result when women’s actions challenge societal norms. Jocasta’s flippancy toward prophecy along with her tragic realisation of her role in Oedipus‘ fate serves as a cautionary tale within the social and cultural values of the time.
  - - - In Greek mythology, Tiresias was a renowned prophet who, according to some accounts, lived for seven generations and experienced life as both a man and a woman.
      - His transformation into a woman occurred when he encountered two mating snakes and struck them with a stick. Experiencing life as a male and female provided him with an intimate understanding of both genders and made him a highly respected and sought-after seer in ancient Greece.
      - There are several accounts of how Tiresias became blind. One tells that after settling a dispute between the gods Hera and Zeus, Hera struck Tiresias blind as she was dissatisfied with his decision that sex was more enjoyable as a woman. Zeus compensated his blindness with the gift of prophecy.
      - Tiresias is not just any oracle; he was a famous and revered prophet with literal God-given sight
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        Sophocles inclusion of Oedipus’ ridicule of Tiresias and his prophecy, reflects a change in 5th century Athens when reason began to challenge the authority of spiritual and divine power. Without outwardly condemning the views and values of prophecy, Sophocles’ conservative views on prophecy are illustrated through the double irony of a blind man who can see the future and a man who has the use of his eyes but is blind to his past, present, and identity.
- - - - Most playwrights of Sophocles’ time adapted well-known Greek myths, especially those involving heroes from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Sophocles focused on Oedipus, a character briefly mentioned by Homer. His version explores Oedipus’ tragic discovery of his true identity and the violent fallout that follows.
      - The story was familiar to ancient audiences: Oedipus, raised by Corinth’s king, flees after a prophecy says he’ll kill his father and marry his mother. He unknowingly kills his real father, solves the Sphinx’s riddle, becomes king of Thebes, and marries his mother, Jocasta.
      - Key themes include fate vs. free will, identity, the pursuit of truth, justice, and the limits of human control over destiny.